Semih Kilicsoy is someone who’s been quite strongly linked with Leeds United in spells this summer, and now it looks like we might know where he’s headed for.
Leeds United are scouring the European markets for new blood this summer. Already, Daniel Farke has added Lukas Nmecha and Jaka Bijol to his ranks, and now Leeds United are set to sign Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg.
It’s clear that Leeds United have a certain transfer policy in place this summer, favouring European players because of the cheaper fees and wages, as well as players in their mid-twenties or older, so they have good experience.
Semih Kilicsoy though is much younger. He’s only 19 years old yet he’s impressed in the Super Lig with Besiktas, albeit last season was a struggle for the Turkish international who managed just three goals in 32 league games, compared to 11 in 23 the season before.
Eyupspor v Besiktas - Turkish Super League
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The latest on Semih Kilicsoy, Leeds United have left it too late
Earlier on in the summer, Kilicsoy looked like the prime transfer target at Elland Road. It was reported that Leeds United officials flew out to hold talks with Kilicsoy in Turkey, although the details of a potential move weren’t decided as Besiktas toyed between sending him out on loan and selling him permanently.
In the end, Besiktas decided they wanted to send Kilicsoy out on loan. Leeds’ interest remained but then reports revealed how Dutch side FC Utrecht were in talks to sign Kilicsoy on loan, with a potential option to buy the striker at the end of the season.
Turkish outlet YeniBirlik are now reporting that Utrecht are pushing to insert an €11million (£9.4million) option to buy Kilicsoy, who is understood to be open to joining the club this summer. The same report goes on to add that something ‘concrete’ looks set to be agreed in the near future.
Tammy Abraham celebrates for AC Milan vs Inter Milan.
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Striker targets are dwindling for Leeds United right now
Nmecha is a useful signing for Leeds. But he lacks Premier League experience and when he’s played on loan in England with the likes of Middlesbrough and Preston, he hasn’t exactly impressed.
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For Farke, his striker options are still lacking something with real Premier League pedigree: Patrick Bamford has shown his quality in the top flight before, but how much can Farke realistically rely on the 31-year-old next season given his injury record?
Recently, long-term Leeds United target Tammy Abraham has agreed a transfer to Besiktas, likely opening the door for Kilicsoy to move on.
Meanwhile, Wolfsburg have joined the race to sign Josh Sargent where he could end up being Nmecha’s replacement, in a coincidental turn of events.
Other names keep on being mentioned: Nikola Krstovic, and Dominic Calvert Lewin too. Though recent reports have revealed how Calvert-Lewin isn’t a key target for Leeds United this summer.