da luck： Cast your minds back to last summer and you will probably remember a whole host of different players that Leeds were linked with.
da cassino： Of course, a move for Michael Cuisance fell through but there were links with prestigious individuals such as Barcelona’s Rafinha and Udinese’s Rodrigo De Paul.
However, one player who rather went under the radar was FC Utrecht winger Gyrano Kerk.
The Dutch winger was touted with a switch to Elland Road for a fee of around £8m but nothing materialised beyond that.
That, though, is beginning to look like somewhat of a mistake and judging by his form this campaign, Leeds must revive their interest in the player.
Victor Orta usually watches his targets for a considerable period of time and he even had eyes on Ben White when he was still on loan at Newport County. The Spaniard had also been scouting Raphinha since his days in Portugal.
Thus, it’s certainly not within the realms of fantasy to suggest Orta could yet revisit a move for Kerk. After all, he’s been superb in 2020/21.
The 25-year-old has found the net three times and registered three assists in the process, proving to be a dazzling talent in the Eredivise. Those performances have drawn praise from former Arsenal and Manchester United hero Robin van Persie.
Speaking about Kerk last year, he said: “Kerk is a player who basically has everything. He is fast, has vision, is technical and can score. He can still play a level higher in the near future.”
Indeed, that higher level could well be Leeds if Orta fancies a move.
Despite splashing out £17m on Raphinha in the summer, they’re still aiming to improve their attack. Repeated links with Wolves forward Adama Traore sums that up.
Though, in Kerk, they can find themselves a cut-price option, one capable of beating defenders in a similar manner to the Spanish speed demon.
Kerk demonstrated that last weekend when he put Heracles to the sword in a 2-0 win for Utrecht. The wide man terrorised the opposition by completing five dribbles – more than anyone on the pitch – and two key passes. That was the third-best tally of anyone to play.
Hercales left-back Giacomo Quagliata was in poor form as a result, being dribbled past twice – the second-most of anyone on his team and making only two tackles. Given he was under so much relentless pressure throughout the match, it’s hardly an eye-catching statistic.
It’s rather unsurprising that Kerk gave the defence such a torrid afternoon. In the Dutch top-flight this season, he’s managed 3.6 dribbles per game. For context, that’s more than anyone in the Leeds squad by a margin of 2.1. It’s also just 0.1 below another of their targets in Traore.
Clearly, Kerk is a player that’s full of life. With Leeds struggling to break down teams that play with a low block, signing a player who can make things out of nothing is becoming a necessity.
This could be game-changing for a player like Patrick Bamford. He was incredibly isolated against Brighton due to their defensive line, making just four passes all game and failing to have a shot.
Thus, with the addition of further pace and dribbling skills, Bamford could well find himself with more chance to score in games where Leeds traditionally struggle.
That provides a big a reason as any as to why Orta needs to bring the winger to Elland Road this month.
AND in other news, Leeds must swoop for “unique” £75k-p/w ace, Byram bullied him in 2013 – opinion….