Turfed out by Leeds, Souleymane Doukara is relegation hero in Turkey

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Leeds United fans were likely left very surprised when they heard who had been signed to replace the legendary Samuel Eto’o at Antalyaspor in February. The Turkish side were in the relegation zone at the time and decided to cut down on wages and big-name players. The Cameroonian headed to rivals Konyaspor, whilst Antalyaspor pillaged fellow relegation battlers Osmanlispor. The player they stole away? None other than former Leeds United forward Souleymane Doukara.

Of course, Leeds fans were right to find the idea of Doukara replacing Eto’o somewhat unbelievable. Doukara had an indifferent spell at Leeds after joining from Catania in 2014.

He was, however, one of the few Massimo Cellino led signings who managed to stick around and put in some good cameo performances, particularly under the management of Garry Monk. He will always be remembered for an incredible volley v Nottingham Forest that nearly ripped a hole in the back of the net and won the 2016-17 goal of the season.

Indeed, he always seemed to be a player up to the challenge of trying to prove those around him wrong. Despite his good moments, he was released last August after falling out of favour with new boss Thomas Christiansen.

After impressing in his first six months in Turkey, Antalyaspor decided he was the man to save them from relegation. They were right.

Doukara has been fantastic for the club since joining in the winter. The 26-year-old has scored six goals in 14 games for the club. Earlier this month, he raced away from Genclerbirligi defender, and Paul’s older brother, Florentin Pogba to slot home a 1-0 winner against their relegation rivals and secure Antalyaspor’s place in the Turkish Super Lig for next season.

Leeds fans know that when Doukara was in the mood, he had all the tools to be a real handful in the Championship. Unfortunately, those days were often few and far between. But this year so far has been excellent for the attacker who, based on recent evidence, could have played a major role at Elland Road this season.

Replace Eto’o he certainly did and he will now forever be a hero in Antalya. Leeds might regret deciding to cut their losses on the versatile French-Senegalese attacker.