Leeds United now look set to target attacking signings in the transfer market, having bolstered their defence and their midfield. Leeds United also look as if they are about to sign a new goalkeeper.
Reports have revealed that Lucas Perri is closing in on a move to Leeds United from Ligue 1 side Lyon, and he’ll replace Illan Meslier in goal ahead of next season.
With the likes of Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson in defence, and recent arrivals Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach in midfield, Daniel Farke now has to turn his attentions to the final third of the pitch.
Ideally, a number 10, a winger and a striker are all needed before the summer transfer window shuts on September 1st, and one attacker who has been linked with Leeds United throughout the summer is Semih Kilicsoy at Besiktas.
Right at the start of summer, reports revealed that Leeds United flew out to Turkey to hold talks with Kilicsoy, who has rapidly fallen out of favour at Besiktas after scoring just three goals last season.
In the season before, the 19-year-old scored 11 goals in the Super Lig, and emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting attacking talents. His next club, however, will not be Leeds United.
Semih Kilicsoy agrees next move amid Leeds United transfer links
There has been confusion and uncertainty over Kilicsoy’s Besiktas future all summer long. At first it was revealed that Besiktas wanted to loan out Kilicsoy this summer before the Turkish side then decided that they wanted to sell the Turkish international instead.
But it now looks like Kilicsoy is leaving on loan with an option to buy and Serie A side Cagliari looks set to win the race. Despite reports that Leeds United had lodged a £17m bid for Kilicsoy just earlier this month, Cagliari have seemingly agreed a deal to sign Kilicsoy. An emerging report from Turkish outlet Haberler reports that Kilicsoy is bidding farewell to Besiktas.
They add that an agreement has been reached for a loan transfer which will include an option to buy of €14m (£12.2m), as well as a 20 percent sell-on fee owed to Besiktas. For Leeds United, it’s certainly a blow. Kilicsoy has been a target throughout the summer and boasts a lot of potential.
But it is Cagliari who have agreed the deal and it looks like a solid signing for the club and a move will be completed after Besiktas’ friendly match against Shakhtar Donetsk on July 31st.
Leeds United’s next attacking signing is crystal clear
Kilicsoy is a versatile attacker. He can play as a nine or he can also play on the wing. Farke no doubt needs a new right-sided winger this summer after Manor Solomon returned to Spurs’ pre-season training. And whilst that may not be Kilicsoy, it could well be Igor Paixao at Feyenoord.
Reports have revealed that Leeds United have tabled an opening bid for Paixao in a deal that could cost the Whites in the region of £30m this summer. Reports linking Paixao with a move to Leeds United have been growing in the last 48 hours, but Farke faces interest from the likes of Ligue 1 side Marseille who also have a strong interest in signing Paixao this summer.
After Paixao, it looks like Leeds could sign a new number 10 or a striker, or both in the very near future. As we’ve seen with the Longstaff and Stach deals, Leeds United may keep their cards close to the chest until something is very close to being done.
Expect to see more on Paixao in the next 24 hours.
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