Newly crowned Championship champions Leeds United are reportedly exploring a summer transfer for Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy as manager Daniel Farke prepares his squad for their upcoming Premier League campaign according to Yeni Asir.
Following their promotion to the top flight last weekend, Leeds are understood to have a transfer war chest of £100 million at their disposal. Chairman Paraag Marathe and the club’s hierarchy are determined to ensure the club avoids a swift return to the Championship, a fate that has befallen fellow promoted sides Ipswich Town, Leicester City, and Southampton in recent seasons.
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Farke, who had hoped for reinforcements in the January transfer window, is acutely aware of the need to strengthen the squad to compete effectively in the Premier League. One key area identified for improvement is the forward line. While Joel Piroe has impressed as Leeds’ primary striker this season, netting 19 goals in 46 league appearances, the club is keen to add greater depth and competition in that position.
According to the report, the Yorkshire club has identified 19-year-old Besiktas attacker Semih Kilicsoy as a potential target. The report suggests that Leeds United officials are planning to travel to Istanbul to hold discussions with the Besiktas board regarding a potential move.
Leeds reportedly view Kilicsoy as a player with significant potential and a valuable long-term investment. However, the specifics of any potential offer from the English club remain undisclosed at this stage. Besiktas previously rebuffed interest in Kilicsoy during the January transfer window, successfully retaining the young forward. Leeds will be hoping to persuade the Turkish club to part ways with their prized asset this time around.
Kilicsoy, who turns 20 in August, has already amassed 75 appearances for Besiktas’ first team, having previously scored an impressive 42 goals in 64 appearances for their Under-19 side. His senior record stands at 16 goals and nine assists. The four-time Turkey international also boasts Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup winners’ medals from last season with Besiktas.
Kilicsoy is not the only striker linked with a move to Elland Road. Sky Sports reported earlier this week that Leeds are also considering a potential swoop for Everton forward Beto. The 27-year-old, who joined the Toffees from Udinese in August 2023, is Everton’s joint-top scorer with seven Premier League goals in 27 matches. It remains uncertain whether Everton manager David Moyes would be willing to let the Portuguese striker depart Goodison Park.
As Leeds United gear up for their Premier League return, their pursuit of attacking talent like Semih Kilicsoy and Beto highlights their ambition to build a squad capable of sustaining their top-flight status. The coming weeks are likely to reveal more about their transfer strategy and potential new arrivals.
