Leeds United have reportedly thrown their hat into the ring to sign Burnley winger Maxwel Cornet as the race to land his signature hots up – a player that Charlie Taylor said is “brilliant” and surprised him when during Burnley.
Cornet, 25, joined Burnley on a permanent basis in 2021 – and enjoyed a stunning campaign despite Burnley’s relegation. He scored nine goals in 26 Premier League appearances from out wide, despite only starting 21 times.
The Guardian claim Everton, West Ham and Newcastle are all showing interest in the Ivory Coast international. He has a release clause of £17.5million now the Clarets have been relegated – and was left out from Vincent Kompany’s opener.
Reports claim that Leeds are keeping tabs on Cornet, a player that has had a hand in 80 goals in 251 games for Lyon. Speaking in November 2021, Taylor raved about Cornet – claiming he is brilliant and his start was better than expected.
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“I mean no disrespect to him, but I don’t think anybody expected him to hit the ground running just quite as well as he has. His goals per minute ratio is one of the best in the league,” Taylor told the Burnley Express.
He’s been brilliant so far and we all hope he can continue that. We see it every day in training, not just in matches, even in the small-sided games. There’s usually at least one bit of magic that he produces every day.”
Leeds throw hat into ring to sign Cornet: Taylor thinks he is ‘brilliant’
The need for a winger is not enormous at Elland Road. Yes, they have lost Raphinha. But they have added Luis Sinisterra and also boast Dan James, Jack Harrison and Crysencio Summerville – the latter has just signed a new deal.
Jesse Marsch’s narrow style also allows the likes of Brenden Aaronson and Rodrigo to play out wide. Perhaps signing another winger could see Marsch use Rodrigo solely as a striker – thus ending the need for Patrick Bamford cover.
If Taylor’s comments are anything to go by, Cornet is a brilliant buy. At £17.5million, and the fact he scored goals in a defensive-minded Burnley, he is a steal. Leeds would be silly not to pursue a deal if it becomes available.
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