da bet7： If a recent report is to be believed, Leeds have been eyeing up a move for Besiktas striker Cyle Larin.
da betsson： Turkish outlet Milliyet has revealed that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are prepared to pay £5m to land the Canada international, who looks likely to become a Zulte Waregem player with the Belgian side expected to activate the £2.5m option to buy clause agreed when initially taking the forward on loan from Besiktas.
The Jupiler Pro League outfit may well look to make an immediate profit on their investment, however, as Fotospor report that Zulte Waregem have plans to sell Larin for a price between €10m – €12m (£8.7m – £10.4m).
The 24-year-old – who has eight goals in 31 appearances for Canada – has scored nine goals and registered 11 assists for the Belgian side this term, which appears to have attracted Leeds’ interest.
So, should Leeds pay what Zulte Waregem are after in their pursuit of Larin?
Football FanCast’s writers have their say…
Billy Meyers
“While Larin’s attacking output is respectable, Bielsa is someone who is known to have his preferences.
“It was why Eddie Nketiah’s loan move from Arsenal was cut short, as the English striker made just two starts for Leeds with Bielsa preferring to play Patrick Bamford religiously. Since the 20-year-old returned to the Emirates, Leeds have signed RB Leipzig and former Paris Saint-Germain forward Jean-Kevin Augustin on loan.
“However, if Bielsa does intend to meet Zulte Waregem’s asking price in the summer, he must ensure that he doesn’t allow Larin to suffer the same fate as Nketiah did at Elland Road – if he is to convince club chiefs to pay out for the Canadian, he can’t then leave him to rot on the bench.”
Kealan Hughes
“With Bielsa in charge it seems as though there is little point in the club pursuing strikers, particularly those who are untested in English football.
“The Argentine has consistently picked Bamford this season despite his frequent mistakes and bad misses, with Nketiah barely getting a look in with just two league starts and Augustin finding himself in a similar position – playing just 49 minutes since signing in January.
“Larin is similar given his lack of Championship experience, and at a reported fee in the region of £10m, he’d certainly be a big gamble – currently one that Leeds can’t afford to make, particularly if they do go up.”
Charles Jones
“Personally I don’t think that spending that much on Larin is a wise move for Leeds. Bielsa seems quite set on starting Bamford as his first-choice striker, and it also mustn’t be forgotten that Augustin’s loan move becomes permanent to the tune of €21m (£18.3m) if United go up this season.
“Add in the fact that Tyler Roberts is hitting a bit of form, and you have to say that Leeds don’t need to sign a striker unless they’re guaranteed to be an improvement on what they already have, and I don’t think Larin is that.
“The Canadian has only really proven himself in Belgium, and that isn’t really the best standard, especially if the Whites are playing top-flight football next term.”
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Danny Lewis
“The centre-forward position seems to be an area that has caused concerns for Leeds in recent times, with questions having been asked about Bamford while Augustin has only managed three substitute appearances so far. Therefore, it is understandable that they are looking into potentially signing another forward. If they make it into the Premier League then a figure in the region of £10m would be incredible value for someone who could go on to help them thrive at England’s top table.”
In other news, Phil Hay has revealed the “main reason” as to why Bielsa gets booked so often…