In 2024, Leeds United could sign an exciting new winger.
Leeds United may have lost their last two Championship games, but this season has been far more positive than the previous one at Elland Road.
Victor Orta and Marcelo Bielsa‘s reigns are long gone, but Daniel Farke has instilled a new spirit in this part of Yorkshire.
Leeds are currently third in the table, and few would bet against them regaining their Premier League status at the first attempt.
An exciting winger being lined up to help push their promotion bid would also be beneficial in the January transfer window.
Leeds United transfer rumours: Attacking recruits on the way
The news of Wilfried Gnonto‘s possible departure from Leeds could dominate the January transfer window. That was a saga that dominated the summer window as well, and if he does decide to leave, a winger will be needed in the window.
Kerem Akturkoglu could be one possible solution. Indeed, according to Turkish media, Aksam indicates that both Lazio and Leeds are interested in signing the player.
The winger, who is 25 years old, is expected to fetch around €14 million (£13 million). That would be a costly transfer for a club in England’s second division, but it is not out of the question.
How does Akturkoglu stack up against Raphinha?
Such a move would be exciting for the young Turk. Galatasaray‘s reasoning is simple: look at the attacker’s numbers this season.
So far this season, the 26-cap Turkey international has seven goals and eight assists in 27 appearances across all competitions.
It’s worth noting that two of those goals came in the Champions League group stages, with Akturkoglu scoring in both games against Manchester United. Very impressive work.
The Galatasaray star, a left winger by trade, can also play on the right side of attack and is similar to Raphinha.
The Brazilian was a fantastic asset to Leeds in the Premier League before a massive £55 million move to Barcelona in 2022. The winger was a goal-scoring and creative asset for Leeds, just as Akturkoglu could be if he moves to Elland Road.
Raphinha scored 17 goals and assisted 12 times in 67 games for Yorkshire, demonstrating his class at the highest level in England.
More than goals and assists separate the two players, who were previously described as “unstoppable” by U23 scout Antonio Mango.
Raphinha averaged 1.9 key passes per game in his final season in England, despite playing for a team that did not have the most possession. In the Turkish Super Lig, Akturkoglu has created 2.9 goals this season.
They also put in a lot of effort on defence, with the Turkish superstar averaging 0.8 tackles per game and Raphinha averaging 1.5 during his final season at Leeds.
The latter is by far the better player, but it’s difficult to dismiss the qualities at Leeds‘ disposal. Perhaps a move to England will allow him to emulate the club’s former Brazilian.
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