Director demands Leeds United cough up the money for his ‘special’ attacker or you don’t get him at all

Add as preferred source on Google

Given the staggered nature of the respective transfer windows across European football, Leeds United could do nothing but sit back and hope as Besiktas made their move.

While clubs in England had until February 3rd to bring in new players, the Turkish window was due to remain open for another eight days.

As such, when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s Besiktas made their move for Alvyn Sanches, Daniel Farke and co were powerless. Leeds United’s hopes of a summer swoop for the Lausanne Sport schemer resting on what decision he would come to as the Super Lig powerhouses presented their proposal.

Presuming that Leeds are keen to bring Alvyn Sanches to Elland Road in the off-season – club sources claim that the French-born Swiss attacker has the versatility the Championship leaders are looking for – news that Sanches has rejected Besiktas’ approach should elicit a sigh of relief in West Yorkshire.

According to Sky Sports reporter Sacha Tavolieri, Sanches was actually only ‘one step away’ from committing his future to the Istanbul-based outfit.

Now under the stewardship of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer – the Manchester United legend reportedly wants a new number ten – Besiktas submitted an initial bid of £4 million after identifying Sanches as their first-choice target.

But thanks in part to former Liverpool defender Stephane Henchoz – Lausanne Sport’s sporting director rejected the offer – Sanches will be staying put for another few months. The player himself, meanwhile, mulled over Besiktas’ interest and decided that the Vodafone Arena is not where he envisages the next step in his career taking him.

Alvyn Sanches rejects Besiktas in boost for Leed sUnited

Sky add that Sanches and his representatives may already have one dream destination in mind. Whether that proves to be Leeds United, only time will tell.

Of course, promotion to the Premier League will do nothing but wonders for Leeds’ pulling power. And if Daniel Farke’s side can take three points off Watford on Tuesday night, they will take one big leap towards achieving exactly that.

Still only 21 years of age, the France-born Switzerland youth star took his tally to 13 goals in 26 games with a brace in Lausanne Sport’s 4-1 thrashing of Yverdon Sport over the weekend.

Sanches’ first of the afternoon was a goal of serious quality; Jinking past two defenders inside the penalty area before rattling his finish into the near post. There was a little bit more fortune about his second, the ball rebounding off his knee and in after his first shot had been saved.

But you make your own luck, as they say.

And Sanches did just that as he drove forward from deep, showcasing real desire and acceleration to burst into the penalty box and make himself available for the cross.

In his last seven league matches, Sanches has provided eight goals or assists. His most devastating run of the campaign helping to catapult Lausanne Sport – a club without a league title in 60 years – back into the championship race.

Lausanne Sport explain what Leeds must do to lure away Alvyn Sanches

“Alvyn is in a class of his own,” beams Lausanne Sport goalkeeper Karlo Letica, speaking to Blick. “What he did again tonight is special.”

Henchoz, meanwhile, explains what Leeds and their rival must do in order to lure Sanches away. First, they must be able to offer a shot at one of Europe’s major leagues. And, secondly, they must be willing to stump up far more than £4 million.

“The priority this winter was to keep or try to keep Alvyn,” explains Henchoz. “The championships you are talking about are not championships where he can go this winter. He showed again tonight that the next step for him was the big five.”

The ‘big five’, of course, being La Liga, the Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1 and the English Premier League. The latter one a division Leeds hope to be part of come 2025/26.

“There was interest, naturally,” adds Henchoz, shining a light on why Besiktas’ reported £4 million bid was rebuffed. “It has often been said, two parameters are needed to sell a player.

“Firstly, the financial offer must correspond to the value of the player. Secondly, the player must have the will to leave. For Alvyn, he said it publicly, there was not an absolute will to leave.

“He was worth four or five million last summer. He has progressed enormously [since then]. It’s up to you to do your calculations.”