Soccer

Norwich sign Turkish international defender Ozan Kabak on loan

21-year-old spent the second half of last season at Liverpool

Norwich City have signed Turkish international defender Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke. Photograph: Nico Paetzel/DeFodi Images via Getty Images

Ed Aarons
Mon Aug 30 2021 - 18:59

Norwich have signed Ozan Kabak on loan from Schalke for the rest of the season, with the Turkey defender sealing the move after completing a medical on Monday.

The 21-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Liverpool, will provide much-needed defensive reinforcements to Daniel Farke’s squad after they conceded 10 goals in their first three matches since returning to the Premier League. It is understood the deal for Kabak includes an option to make the deal permanent for around £16 million (€18.65 million) next season.

Liverpool rejected the chance to sign the 21-year-old for an initial £18 million (€21 million) after he made 13 appearances last season, while Crystal Palace also held talks over a potential transfer before opting to sign Joachim Andersen from Lyon instead. Schalke are in the second tier for the first time in more than 30 years after being relegated from the Bundesliga last season.

“I’m very happy to be a part of this family. I’m looking forward to playing in front of the fans and getting some points,” said Kabak. “I spoke with the head coach and I’m really impressed by his project and what he said to me. I believe in him and his project.

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“I played in the Premier League last year and I really enjoyed it. So, I want to play again and that’s why I’m here. I want to play in the Premier League and to give something to the team.”

Meanwhile, Leicester are in talks with RB Leipzig over a loan deal for Ademola Lookman, having agreed a deal to loan Dennis Praet to Torino for the season with an option to buy for £13 million (€15 million). Lookman spent last season on loan at Fulham and has three years of his contract with Leipzig remaining after joining from Everton in July 2019. Hamza Choudhury could also be loaned out, with Newcastle a possible destination.

Brighton’s move for Marc Cucurella looks likely to go ahead after they matched Getafe’s €18 million release clause for the Spain international. Graham Potter’s side have also been linked with Slavia Prague’s Abdallah Sima, from Senegal, and the Uruguayan Darwin Núñez of Benfica.

Amad Diallo will not join Feyenoord on loan from Manchester United after the teenager’s move was called off because of an injury, with Arsenal’s Reiss Nelson now in the sights of the Dutch side. – Guardian

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