Leeds United are keeping tabs on Galatasaray winger Kerem Akturkoglu ahead of the January transfer window, with Wilfried Gnonto likely to leave the club, according to reports.
It was revealed by Football Insider at the weekend that the Peacocks were willing to listen to offers for Italy international Gnonto once the winter market opens in a little over two weeks, having been merely a bit-part player for the club this season under head coach Daniel Farke.
During the summer, Serie A giants Lazio and AS Roma were battling it out with Premier League side Everton for the Italian’s signature after the attacker submitted a transfer request earlier in the window. However, no deal came to fruition, with Leeds holding out for £25 million for his services.
Nevertheless, having played just 671 minutes of football for the Yorkshire outfit, the club now look prepared to cash in on Gnonto over the coming weeks.
Now, according to a report from Turkish outlet Fanatik (via Turkish Football), Leeds United have turned their attention towards signing Galatasaray star Kerem Akturkoglu, who could be the perfect replacement for Gnonto.
The 25-year-old has been a key player for the Super Lig champions this season under manager Okan Buruk and has registered 15 goal contributions in 27 appearances in all competitions, including seven goals and eight assists.
Like Gnonto, Akturkoglu can play anywhere along the frontline, sometimes even as a centre-forward and it was his equalising goal against Leeds’ rivals Manchester United in the Champions League a few weeks ago which helped to eventually seal a Europa League place for the Turkish giants.
https://twitter.com/ChampionsLeague/status/1730546280135315566
Transfermarkt have placed the playmaker’s current market value at £14.7 million, although the Turkey international still has three years remaining on his current deal.
Writer’s View
Akturkoglu is certainly Premier League quality so this would be a fine acquisition by Leeds United should they secure his services over the coming weeks.
What’s more interesting is that the attacker can play on both flanks as well as up top and as a number ‘9’ so it would offer healthy competition for Daniel James, Crysencio Summerville, Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe should the Whites bring him to Elland Road ahead of the second half of the campaign.
Deputy Head of Writing
