Luis Sinisterra is just days away from becoming the latest new face at a Leeds United side striding bravely into a bold new era at Elland Road.
Arguably the most improved player anywhere in the Netherlands, the winger’s reward for a remarkable individual campaign at Feyenoord – including 23 goals, 14 assists and a European final appearance – is an £18 million move to West Yorkshire.
But while Eredivisie exports have a decidedly mixed track record in English football – for every Luis Suarez, there are five Afonso Alves’ – that has not stopped a host of other Premier League clubs joining Leeds in pursuit of some of Holland’s most exciting up-and-coming talent.
Orkun Kokcu – Feyenoord
On Tuesday afternoon, The Athletic reported that Kokcu could soon be joining Sinisterra and Tyrell Malacia this side of the Channel. The Dutch-born Turkey international is a target for Leicester City.
A versatile, highly technical playmaker capable of opening up tightly-wound defences or locating the back of the net with a rocket-powered long-ranger, Kokcu feels like a sensible addition for a Foxes side preparing for life after Youri Tielemans.
He’s even been likened to a young Luka Modric
Ibrahim Sangare – PSV Eindhoven
It feels like almost half the Premier League has been linked with Sangare at some point or another this summer. Manchester United and Chelsea are the most recent, per Sky Sports, with Erik Ten Hag’s Eredivisie-fuelled revolution starting to take shape at Old Trafford.
An imposing, 6ft 3ins oak tree of a number six, Sangare is the belligerent ball-winner United are crying out for. Aston Villa boss Steven Gerrard has also watched the Ivorian man mountain closely.
“He is the key to this PSV side,” says club legend Aad De Mos. “He’d fit in at the top five clubs of the Premier League. That’s how good he is.
“Is he ready for a mid-table Premier League club? Well, not mid-table. He’s ready for the top. If I compare him with players I see at Arsenal, or the midfielders at Tottenham, he can come.”
Cody Gakpo – PSV Eindhoven
Two months ago, it seemed only a matter of time before Gakpo was following in the footsteps of Steven Bergwijn, Memphis Depay and Gini Wijndaldum. That was before Tottenham turned their attention to Richarlison, while Leeds opted for another free-scoring left-winger in Sinisterra.
But Arsenal’s seemingly-doomed pursuit of Raphinha could lead the Gunners back to a player they held talks with at the start of the window. Gakpo is explosive, unpredictable, and looks more well-rounded and mature than Bergwijn did prior to his £27 million move to Spurs.
Lisandro Martinez – Ajax
Left-sided centre-halves are like hen’s teeth in today’s market. Hence Ajax are holding out for around £40 million why the cultured, composed Martinez. The battle for his signature appears to have turned into a two-horse race between Manchester United and Arsenal.
A two-horse race that could be decided by a photo finish.
Nicolas Tagliafico – Ajax
Just five months ago, the diminutive left-back came within touching distance of a move to Barcelona. With all due respect to Nottingham Forest and Brighton, he’ll probably have to set his sights a little lower this time around.
Ajax are in no mood to stand in Tagliafico’s way, with just 12 months left on his contract. He could be available for as little as £3.5 million.
Marcus Pedersen – Feyenoord
Fast and forward-thinking, Pedersen looks tailor-made for Ralph Hasenhuttl. A coach who boasts a terrific track record when it comes to getting the best out of attack-minded full-backs.
At 21, Pedersen already has 13 caps for the Norwegian national team. He also provided a respectable five assists during his debut campaign at De Kuip. And a move to Southampton would see Pedersen fill in for the injured Tino Livramento with the teenager’s long-awaited return from an anterior cruciate ligament injury still months away.
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