Leeds United want to bring Gyrano Kerk to the Premier League but Utrecht coach John Van den Brom has not given up hope of keeping hold of his Eredivisie talisman, as he told De Telegraaf.
A quick glance at the stats will make it clear to you why Van den Brom is desperate to see his jet-heeled front man stick around beyond next week’s transfer deadline.
With 11 goals and 12 assists to his name last term, Kerk is one of the most influential forwards in Dutch football at present.
And it almost goes without saying that, if Utrecht want to force their way into European contention, selling their 24-year-old talisman would represent a massive step in the wrong direction.
The Mirror (27 September, page 74) reports that Leeds are interested in striking a £10 million deal for a forward who is equally comfortable through the middle as he is out wide, using his devastating turn of pace to great effect in every position.
“Gyrano, in this form, with his qualities and sharpness, is a very important player for us. A lot is happening around him. If you can continue to deliver this for the club you love, for the group of players and also for yourself, I think that’s great,” says Van den Brom.
“Gy is an interesting guy for many teams and I can see him taking the next step. Let me start by saying that I don’t hope he will go, but it could just happen.”
Van den Brom knows from his time at the likes of AZ, Vitesse Arnhem and ADO Den Haag that clubs in Holland’s top tier have little choice but to cash in on their star players when clubs from more financially endowed leagues come calling.
Sign low, sell high; it’s just the nature of things in the Netherlands.
Leeds United’s record transfers
- Rodrigo (2020)
£26 million
- Raphinha
£21 million (2020)
- Rio Ferdinand (2000)
£18 million
- Diego Llorente (2020)
£18 million
- Helder Costa (2020)
£16 million
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