Kerem Akturkoglu’s name being linked with a move to Leeds United came as a surprise last month – and it looks like Leeds are losing the race to win his signature, with Ajax set to table a bid this week.
Akturkoglu, 25, has been on fire for Galatasaray. Playing 30 times for the Turkish clubs this season, he has had a hand in 16 goals – including two Champions League goals against rivals Manchester United.
The surprise comes in that Akturkoglu is surely far too good for the Championship – and of course, he plays for a side that are viewed as the enemy, after the murders of two Leeds United fans back in 2000.
Reports this month claimed that Akturkoglu was set to say ‘goodbye’ to Galastarasay, and that Leeds had made a move to land the attacker. A player that was described as a ‘wizard’ by The Independent.
But now, Sporx say Ajax are set to throw their name into the hat for his signature. Klass-Jan Huntelaar is in charge of the club’s transfers and he is set for a Wednesday meeting, before tabling a £13m offer.
Ajax set to bid £13m for Leeds United target Kerem Akturkoglu
However, the report claims that Ajax will still be £4m shy of Galatasaray’s asking price for Akturkoglu. Reports before Sporx’s update also said that Galatasaray were looking to extend the attacker’s contract.
Whether Ajax and Galatasaray can come to an agreement in regards to Akturkoglu’s price tag remains to be seen, but given it is only £4m at stake – you would imagine a compromise will not be too hard to find.
Leeds could do with Akturkoglu. While he is naturally a winger, he is more than capable of playing in the 10 role and that is something Leeds lack, after failing to sign Nadiem Amiri or others in the summer.
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