Claim Leeds United had agreed summer deal to sign player – Russian competition could scupper things

Asist Analiz journalist Safak Malatya claims Leeds United had agreed a deal with Zulte Waregem to sign Besiktas’ Canadian striker Cyle Larin, but the move is now off due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Recent reports in the Turkish press have been linking Larin to Russian club CSKA Moscow, and Besiktas can now make money from selling the player to the Russian side.

Malatya says Leeds United and Zulte Waregem reached an agreement over the transfer of Larin, and the Championship leaders were due to pay €4m for the player. However, because of the pandemic, Zulte pulled out of the deal and will no will longer redeem the forward from Besiktas.

Besiktas sent Larin out on loan to Zulte Waregem last summer and the player impressed with his performances before the Jupiler League came to a premature halt last month.

During his loan spell in Belgium, the former Orlando City striker made 33 appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 11 assists.

Despite this confidence on behalf of CSKA, there’s no figure mentioned. Should the offer be less than the €4m it’s claimed Leeds were ready to pay, then there’s no reason the Championship club can’t deal directly with Besiktas themselves.

Larin’s contract will expire at the end of June 2022.