Cyle Larin made his name at MLS outfit Orlando City (Getty Images)
According to Turkish outlet Fotospor (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are interested in signing Besiktas forward Cyle Larin, who currently plies his trade with Belgian side Zulte Waregem in the summer.
Larin, 24, came through the youth ranks of Connecticut Huskies in the USA and was drafted by Orlando City SC in 2015. In 89 games for the MLS side, he scored an impressive 44 goals while further providing 8 assists. He played alongside Brazil legend Kaka, who has tipped the Canadian to go far in career, as per the report.
His powerful displays earned him a move to Turkey with Besiktas, where he scored 8 goals last season. He is currently on loan with Zulte Waregem and has been impressive for the club, helping them reach 7th position in the Jupiler Pro league table.
The Canadian international has proven his goal scoring abilities wherever he has played and therefore, Leeds must make a move for him at the end of the season. Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa’s side has seen a slight dip in form as they have won just 2 of their last 5 league games.
The manager would be hoping to achieve automatic qualification to the Premier League and they need to be at their best for the remainder of the season.
However, with a lot of loan players in the current squad, Bielsa should bring in reinforcements on a permanent basis for the new campaign regardless of which division they play in and one of the most important areas to be covered is the centre-forward position.
The Whites have only three strikers in Patrick Bramford, Tyler Roberts and Jean-Kevin Augustin in their ranks at the moment. While Bramford has been excellent for them, Roberts has featured in just 3 games. The West Brom youth product can be a crucial player for them next season.
Augustin is on loan from RB Leipzig until the end of this term and therefore, bring in a striker in the summer must be a priority and Cyle Larin must be targeted by the Whites.
The 24-year-old is in good form this season. In 29 games, he has scored 9 goals and provided 9 assists.
Larin could be a replacement for the Leipzig loanee if the Whites don’t sign Augustin permanently after his loan spell. The Canadian is capable of scoring at a decent rate and his inclusion would also bring a healthy competition for Bramford. This would be a good sign for the club’s growth.
Leeds must not miss the opportunity to sign Larin, who is currently in the form of his life after proving his worth in the MLS. He can provide them with the much-needed extra goals and could play for the Whites in the long run. Therefore, Leeds must lure him to Elland Road in the summer.
