Why Leicester should make a move for Bursaspor youngster Ali Akman

According to Turkish outlet Fotospor (h/t Leicester Mercury), Leicester City are understood to have sent scouts to watch Bursaspor’s Turkish teenager Ali Akman.

The 17-year-old striker, who came through the ranks at the Bursaspor academy, has been promoted to the first-team of the Turkish side and has put in some impressive performances. He has helped his side to third place in the second tier, just seven points off top spot.

Ali Akman has four goals and one assist in 18 games in all competitions this season. The report (h/t Leicester Mercury) adds Manchester City and Fenerbahce have also shown interest in the teenage striker, who is contracted to Bursaspor until the summer of 2021.

Meanwhile, Leicester City have enjoyed a successful season till date as they sit third in the table. They have been a thrilling side to watch under Brendan Rodgers, with Jamie Vardy playing a starring role. Vardy is the club’s top scorer with 19 goals and he has been supported well by Kelechi Iheanacho, who has netted three goals in 12 games.

However, Rodgers has only two striking options available to him, with Islam Slimani on loan at AS Monaco. There is a clear need to strengthen the striking department and the manager will need to plan accordingly in the summer.

Vardy is already 33 and he would have to be replaced at the right time. And nothing can be said of Slimani’s availability next season as he has been sent on loan because Rodgers doesn’t seem to have him in his plans. Iheanacho is just 23 but he’s yet to prove himself as a consistent goalscorer at the King Power Stadium.

As Leicester are vying for a place in the Champions League next term, Rodgers should add quality players to his squad. In that regard, the Foxes must beat the likes of Manchester City and Fenerbahce to Ali Akman’s signature.

Akman is very young but he has already impressed for Bursaspor in the TFF 1.League this term. That he is already part of Bursaspor’s senior team is indicative of a level of maturity that belies his tender years.

To put things into perspective, Leicester would do themselves a world of good if they manage to sign the emerging Turkish player. A move to the King Power Stadium should be an exciting proposition for the teenager.

Read more

• Why Leicester City should make a move for Lazio’s Thomas Strakosha
• Why Leicester City should plot a summer swoop for James Tarkowski
• Why Leicester City should plot a move for Alex Telles in the summer

With young guns such as Ben Chilwell, Hamza Choudhury, James Maddison, Harvey Barnes, Youri Tielemans and a couple more impressing this season, Rodgers should look to sign Akman and polish him.

Verdict

All in all, the Bursaspor starlet is one for the future and Leicester making a move for him could go on to pay rich dividends in the years to come if he fulfils his potential.