Trabzonspor president claims Leeds will have to pay £10m to keep Caleb Ekuban

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Trabzonspor president Ahmet Agaoglu has told NTV Spor that his side are interested in making Caleb Ekuban’s loan from Leeds United a permanent move – but has told Leeds they can still keep the striker.

Ekuban, 25, has been in excellent form since joining the club on loan last summer. He was made surplus to requirements by Marcelo Bielsa after scoring just two goals in 22 games last term.

This season, he has played out wide, in the 10 role and up front. He has scored seven goals, creating three more and earning his first caps for Ghana – in which he scored two goals in his first two caps.

Agaoglu claimed that Trabzonspor have a clause, worth £900,000 to sign Ekuban until May 31. They are willing to meet that clause and sign Ekuban, but stated that Leeds can keep the striker if the Whites pay a whopping £10million.

“We have an option to buy Ekuban until May 31,” Agoaglu said. “We will renew our contract with Ekuban. If Leeds United give us £10million, then we will re-think the situation.”

TBR’s view

There is no doubt that Ekuban has been in excellent form for Trabzonspor. His goals and creativity has lit up an otherwise mediocre Turkish side.

He has more than deserved his time in the Ghana national team. He is playing with confidence, versatility, speed, precision and power. He is the all-round attacker.

But Leeds must not forget that he did not cope with the demands of English football. Prices are bloated in Turkey, and that £10million would be better off spent elsewhere.