Leeds United should make a move for Celta Vigo midfielder Okay Yokuslu in the January transfer window, according to former Premier League striker Kevin Phillips.
The Lowdown: Orta makes Yokuslu claim
Marcelo Bielsa is suffering an injury crisis within his squad and Kalvin Phillips’ lengthy absence highlights the need for a new midfielder to come in next month.
Victor Orta spoke glowingly about Yokuslu during the summer, suggesting that a move for the former West Brom man could potentially be on the cards at some point.
The 39-cap Turkey international has struggled hugely for playing time at Celta Vigo this season, failing to make a single start in La Liga.
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The Latest: Phillips endorses move
Despite Yokuslu being rarely utilised in Spain, Phillips told Football Insider that he believes the 27-year-old would be a better signing for Leeds than Reading midfielder John Swift, who has also been linked with move to Elland Road. The former Sunderland striker outlined:
“An experienced foreign player could be an option for Leeds, someone who has been around a bit.
“Yokuslu would be a great option I think. He has experience in Europe as well as in the Premier League. I don’t think it would faze [sic] him, going to Leeds.
“He was brilliant for that short spell in the Premier League with West Brom. Personally, I think that would be a better option than Swift. It would make a lot more sense to me.”
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The Verdict: Strong midfield signing
Yokuslu showed during his loan spell at West Brom last season that he can excel in the Premier League, impressing for a struggling team and winning an average of 2.6 aerial duels per game. His performances earned praise from Albion podcaster and journalist Adrian Goldberg, who gushed: “I think he’s such a forceful player, an excellent player.”
For that reason, the 27-year-old could be someone who could help fill the Phillips-shaped void in Leeds’ midfield, having also averaged 2.4 tackles per match for the Baggies – only Stuart Dallas (2.6) and Adam Forshaw (2.5) have a better return for the Whites this season.
A loan move could even make sense as a short-term fix, with an impressive spell possibly then leading to a permanent transfer at the end of the season.
In other news, Leeds have been backed to sign one Championship player. Find out who it is here.