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Compared to Mario Balotelli, Leeds new boy Caleb Ekuban gives reassurances

Elland Road (Reuters)
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Leeds United have signed Caleb Ekuban.

Leeds United have clinched a deal to sign Caleb Ekuban, with the 23-year-old striker’s move from Chievo announced via the official website.

Ekuban spent last season on loan in Albania and is an unknown quantity to most in England, and even in Italy.

Through his career he has been compared to Mario Balotelli, as like the former Liverpool striker he is half Italian and half Ghanaian.

The duo have also both spent time at fourth tier Italian side Lumezzane, with Balotelli spending his career there and Ekuban sent there on loan.

Liverpool's Mario Balotelli scores but is later disallowed for offsideNotorious… Mario Balotelli

Ekuban though insists he shares nothing else in common with the controversial star, who is renowned for his party lifestyle.

Speaking to Di Marzio, Ekuban said: “We are often compared. But aside from the colour of the skin we have little in common.

“It is normal that I’d like to follow his career, but I’m Caleb Ekuban. When I go home I do nothing, believe me.”

Ekuban scored 17 goals for Partizani Tirana last season, his best career return, and hopes to carry this momentum onto Leeds United.

It is a total punt by the Whites to bring him in, given that he has no track record of playing at a high level, but Leeds is a fantastic place for him to start making a name for himself.

From the sounds of it, Leeds have a focused player who won’t allow himself to be distracted by off pitch temptations.