Cyle Larin made his name at MLS outfit Orlando City (Getty Images)
According to Haberlar (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United have been long-term admirers of Canadian forward Cyle Larin and could land him in the summer.
Larin, 24, became a massive hit in the MLS league with Orlando City, scoring a whopping 44 goals in just 89 games. However, a move to Turkey with Besiktas in January 2018 saw him spend most of the on the bench. Eventually, he was loaned out to Belgian side Zulte Waregem last summer.
Since moving to the Jupiler League, Larin has been in sensational form. He has helped his side with 9 goals and 11 assists in 33 games across all competitions. Hence, Leeds should take this window as an opportunity to bolster their attacking unit.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have performed to their best throughout the campaign. They are leading the race for automatic qualification to the top flight when the season resumes. Their attacking unit, led by Patrick Bamford, has scored 56 goals so far.
In defensive situations also, the Whites have been superior to the other teams in the Championship. The backline has conceded just 30 goals so far. However, Bielsa should look to strengthen the squad for the next season, regardless of their league status.
In the attacking department, Bamford has been consistent since the start. But the failure to score goals in the latter stages of the campaign needs to be addressed by the manager.
On-loan Arsenal forward Eddie Nketiah returned to Emirates in January. In the meantime, Leeds signed Jean Kevin-Augustin on loan in the winter. But the Frenchman has not lived up to the expectations.
Thus, making a move for a natural striker in the summer would be a wise decision by Bielsa. And Besiktas’ Larin, who is on loan with Zulte Waregem, would be a good option for the Whites.
The Canadian international has been in good nick this term, helping the Belgian outfit to the 9th position in the Jupiler Pro League standings. His inclusion in Bielsa’s squad would be a huge boost for the side.
In just 148 career appearances, Larin has scored 61 goals and he would undoubtedly add the much-needed depth to Leeds’ squad. His inclusion would also bring in a healthy competition to Bamford. Moreover, if he replicates his good form, the former Orlando City man would be a valuable addition to the Championship side.
Leeds are in dire need of a strike partner for Bamford. And Larin, at the age of 24, would be a good fit for the squad. Thus, the Whites must do everything to lure the Canadian to Elland Road in the summer.
