Leeds United now ready to pay almost £13m to sign player with three goals in the Champions League this season

Add as preferred source on Google

Both Leeds United and Lazio are reportedly willing to pay £12.9 million to sign Kerem Akturkoglu from Galatasaray.

It was reported earlier this week that Leeds have been in ‘frequent talks’ with their rivals over a deal for the 25-year-old, though Galatasaray are reluctant to sell.

It would come as a real surprise if Leeds and Galatasaray were able to come to an agreement regarding a transfer given the history between the two clubs, though Akturkoglu is clearly a good player.

But according to Aksam, Leeds are ready to meet the asking price for Akturkoglu, who has been in impressive form so far this season with seven goals and eight assists in all competitions. Three of those strikes came in the Champions League.

A major stumbling block to any deal, though, is that Serie A side Lazio would also be ready to meet Akturkoglu’s valuation. Given that they are into the Champions League knockouts, it is hard to see him not choosing there.

Akturkoglu a good player, but Leeds don’t need him

Akturkoglu scored both home and away against Manchester United in the Champions League this season, which would suggest he is probably too good for this division.

However, while he can play as a second striker/number 10, Akturkoglu is primarily a left-winger, which is the last position Leeds need to strengthen in January.

Crysencio Summerville is very much first choice and will not be shifted from there anytime soon having already scored 10 goals, and provided six assists so far this season.

Wilfried Gnonto’s preferred position is also there, though he has played much of his football this season on the right. Selling him could open the door to a move.

Then there is also Jaidon Anthony, whose minutes have seriously dried up as of late. If Leeds are going to bring in a new attacker, it has to be a proper number 10, and not just somebody who can do a job there.