Boost for West Ham, Tottenham as red-hot marksman refuses Turkish deal
Reports claim forward Cyle Larin has rejected the latest offer from Besiktas, opening the way for Premier League teams to secure a pre-contract deal in January.
The 26-year-old has been turning heads with his displays for the Turkish giants over the past 12 months. Having initially struggled to establish himself with the Black Eagles, the Canada international has developed into a prolific striker. He moved to Turkey from MLS club Orlando City in January 2018 and scored four goals from four outings that season.
The former Sigma FC star struggled during 2018-2019 before a loan spell with Belgian club Zulte Waregem the following season. But, back with Besiktas last term, he finally showed his true colours.
Larin notched 23 goals from 45 appearances in all competitions – 19 of them coming in the Turkish top flight. And he has started the current campaign in decent form, bagging four times from eight outings.
The North American will be out of contract at the end of 2021-2022. And, according to Haber365 (via HITC), he has no intention of signing a new deal at Vodafone Park.
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That will have alerted previous suitors to his possible availability – and there are plenty. Tottenham, West Ham United and Everton have all been mentioned in connection with the player.
It was reported that the Hammers tried to sign him last January as they sought a replacement for Sebastien Haller. Nothing materialised and it was thought David Moyes might try again in the summer.
January a critical month for Larin
Besiktas valued him at around the £13m mark but his contract status means buying clubs hold all the aces. He will be available for nothing next summer and could sign a pre-contract agreement in January.
West Ham are still in the market for a new front man as Michail Antonio continues alone up front. The Jamaica international has enjoyed an excellent beginning to the season, with seven goals form 11 outings.
But the East End outfit seem overly reliant on the Wandsworth-born ace and need help in that department. Similarly, Spurs need Harry Kane to fire on all cylinders if they are to challenge for the top four.
That has not happened in 2021-2022, with the England skipper’s Premier League goal return way down on previous seasons. Nuno Espirito Santo may look to do something about it in January.
But the prospect of picking up Larin for nothing in the summer might prevent clubs from forking out mid season. Once tipped as a future great of the game by former Brazil ace Kaka, his career stalled for a while.
However, 20 goals from 42 international appearances – and 12 this year – proves he still has an eye for goal.
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