Leeds United reportedly wanted to sign Cyle Larin in 2020 for a bargain fee of just £5m after gaining promotion to the Premier League – but instead, Larin went in a different direction and now, the Canadian is in the form of his life.
At the time, a fresh-faced Larin was just making his way in European football. Having scored 44 goals in 89 games for MLS side Orlando, Besiktas took a chance on him in 2018. But he struggled initially, and went out on loan.
He joined Zulte Waregem on loan for 2019-20 and that is where he caught Leeds’ eye. He had a hand in 20 goals during 33 games for the Belgian side. Turkish outlet Miliyet claim Leeds wanted to sign Larin in 2020, for £5m.
But he remained at Besiktas for another two years, ending with stats of 39 goals in 109 games – only 75 of which were starts. A move to Club Brugge last summer did not work out, and he joined La Liga side Real Valladolid on loan.
Leeds wanted Cyle Larin in 2020 and now he is in the form of his life
The loan, in January, comes after playing for Canada at the World Cup. It is a move that is paying off. In what is his first season in one of Europe’s top five leagues, he has five goals in eight – and that form continued for Canada.
Indeed, in Canada’s fixtures against Caracao and Honduras during the break, he netted three times – taking his tally to eight goals in his last eight games. A stunning run of form for a player Leeds could have signed for a bargain fee.
Meanwhile, Leeds have Rodrigo on fire. Patrick Bamford’s injury issues have hindered his progress over the last two years, while Georgie Rutter is yet to get going. Maybe, Larin at just £5m would have been smart business for Leeds.
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