According to a recent report from a Turkish media outlet Fotospor, Leeds United are keen on making a move for Canadian striker Cyle Larin. The forward is on the books of Turkish heavyweights Besiktas, but Larin is currently on loan with Belgian top-flight outfit Zulte Waregem. Besiktas are valuing him at around €4m (£3.4m).
The forward made his name in the MLS while plying his trade for Orlando City. In his three year spell with Orlando City from 2015 to 2017, Larin bagged 44 goals in 89 appearances for them. He joined Besiktas in 2018 and has eight goals for them in 26 appearances. However, he was allowed to leave on loan this summer.
Larin has continued to impress for Waregem as he has managed nine goals and nine assists for them this season. The 24-year-old is also a 31 time Canadian international.
Forward options at Leeds United
Leeds United have struggled up front to score goals freely this campaign. The Whites started their season with three strikers in the form of Patrick Bamford, Eddie Nketiah and Tyler Roberts. Roberts has been injured for large parts this season. Nketiah was recalled back by Arsenal in January after the striker failed to get enough game time at Elland Road. The club then brought in Jean-Kevin Augustin on loan with an option to buy him permanently in the summer for around £15m (Yorkshire Post). The jury is still out on whether Augustin is a good pick for the Whites.
If the club moves to the Premier League, then there is no doubt that the Whites will need to invest in strikers. Leeds will need an upgrade over someone like Bamford in the top flight.
Is Larin worth going after?
The Canadian ace has had a decent scoring record wherever he has gone, but it cannot be ignored that he is yet to be tested in some of the top leagues of the world.
The striker stands in at 6ft 2inches, and he is more in a mould of a targetman as he can hold up play well using his strength and physicality. Larin is also known for his smart link-up play, and that is why he continues to bag a number of assists. Given the price tag of £3.4m, he might seem to be a bargain, but the Whites should have bigger ambitions in terms of recruitment if they move to the top flight. Larin can be a hit and miss kind of signing at the Premier League level.
If the club misses out on promotion, the Whites would be unlikely to turn the signing of Augustin into a permanent one. Larin can then be considered for £3.4m for the upcoming season in the Championship. For that price tag and given that he is in his prime, Larin will be worth having in the English second division.
