Lokomotiv Moscow forward Gyrano Kerk admits he still dreams of playing in the Premier League after missing out on a move to Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United, speaking to Elf Voetbal.
Back in 2019/20, it seemed that one of the most exciting young talents in the Eredivisie was finally starting to live up to his potential.
Kerk always had blistering pace and mind-spending skill. But, as far as end product was concerned, he was certainly lacking. That was, however, until he reached double figures for the very first time, a new-found ruthlessness firing Utrecht to a sixth-place finish while earning him the admiration of clubs from all corners of the continent.
De Telegraaf reported in the summer of 2020 that Leeds were closing in on a £9 million deal for Kerk. Outbidding a number of Serie A sides in the process.
That was, however, until it became apparent that Raphinha would be allowed to leave Ligue 1 outfit Rennes. As Leeds turned their attention to the brilliant Brazilian, Kerk was left in the lurch.
He remained at Utrecht for another 12 months before Lokomotiv offered him a fresh start in Russia.
Will Gyrano Kerk get his Premier League wish?
“There were possibilities to take a step higher in the Eredivisie but that did not materialise,” Kerk explains.
The emergence of the COVID-19 crisis, Kerk adds, certainly didn’t aid his chances of securing a big-money move.
“After that cancelled cup final (against Feyenoord in April 2020), Utrecht also wanted to keep me in order to start their fiftieth anniversary year as strong as possible.
“There was interest from Leeds United at the time. But, in the end, that didn’t happen.
“It didn’t help that the league was temporarily suspended. As a result, and due to FC Utrecht’s high asking price, clubs decided to look at other options.
“I still have the ambition to go to England. But I’m in no rush.”
If Kerk wants to attract the attention of Premier League clubs again, he’ll need to perform far better than he has so far in Moscow.
In 17 games, Kerk has scored just twice for Lokomotiv. The wasteful streak that dogged his early years at Utrecht has returned with a vengeance.
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