Leicester City are closing in on the signing of Turkish international Yunus Akgun, according to journalist Yagiz Sabuncuoglu.
The Foxes have had a busy transfer window so far as they look to escape the Championship at the first time of asking following their relegation from the Premier League last season. So far, the likes of Harry Winks, Conor Coady and Stephy Mavididi have arrived at the King Power Stadium and Leicester have responded to life in England’s second tier with three wins from their opening three fixtures.
The East Midlands side are not resting on their laurels though, and another new signing is expected through the door imminently.
It is claimed that Galatasaray winger Akgun will be the latest acquisition and the 23-year-old will join initially on loan. However, it is believed that the deal will include an obligation to buy which will eventually see the player join on a permanent basis for a fee of around €10 million.
Having emerged through Galatasaray’s academy, Akgun spent two years on loan at Adana Demirspor between 2020 and 2022, notching up 16 goals and 20 assists in 70 appearances. He returned to his parent club last season, where he featured 28 times in all competitions.
It now appears as if the Turkish giants are prepared to let the right-sided attacker leave on a permanent basis and it is said that he will pen a five-year deal at Leicester, including this season’s loan.
The 2016 English champions were first credited with interest in the player earlier this month, with it then touted by the same journalist that an offer had been tabled alongside French clubs Bordeaux and Nantes. It looks as if Leicester have now won the race and manager Enzo Maresca will be hoping that a deal can be done in time for this weekend’s trip to Rotherham United.
Writer’s View
Leicester are clearly hoping for a brief stay in the Championship and their summer business indicates that they are buying with one eye on players who are capable of playing in the Premier League.
Akgun is a bit of an unknown entity, but the Foxes have a good reputation when it comes to scouting out hidden gems and there will be a hope that the Turkish international will follow suit.
Having already featured in the Champions League qualifiers with Galatasaray this season, there is clearly a talented player there, but the Championship is one of the toughest leagues in world football and it will be interesting to see whether he can make a smooth transition.
Head of Writing
