Report: Leeds United interested in signing 24-year-old striker from Besiktas

Add as preferred source on Google

Turkish outlet Fotospor have claimed that Leeds United are interested in signing Canadian striker Cyle Larin from Besiktas, as he continues to impress on loan at Belgian club Zulte Waregem this season.

Larin, 24, quickly came to prominence in the MLS with newly-founded side Orlando City. He netted 44 goals in just 89 games and that saw Turkish side Besiktas come calling – after Besiktas sold Cenk Tosun to Everton.

The 31-time Canada international performed to a decent standard in those 18 months, scoring eight goals in 26 appearances for Besiktas. However, he was loaned out to Waregem at the start of the season where he has impressed.

Indeed, Larin has had a hand in 18 goals during his 29 appearances. He has scored nine himself, as well as creating another nine and it could be that mix of goalscoring and invention that has attracted Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds.

It is believed Waregem will have to pay just £2.1million to turn Larin’s loan into a permanent deal. However, Besiktas are believed to value the player at £3.4million and were in talks over a move for such a fee last month.

TBR’s view – Larin a good striker, but Leeds have better

Certainly, Larin has shown that he can adapt to other countries and continue to score goals. We have seen in the Premier League that players from the MLS can shine in England’s top flight, given time, in the form of Newcastle’s Miguel Almiron.

A good age, plenty of speed but combined with the ability to create goals, a cool finisher and on the cheap, Larin is certainly a good option. However, question marks remain over whether Leeds should move for the Canadian.

Patrick Bamford is much more experienced in English football and although he gets criticised, he is liked by Bielsa and is perfect for his system. New signing Jean-Kevin Augustin has more calibre than Larin, though is a similar type of forward.