Leeds United are prepared to make a move for 21-year-old Orlando City forward Daryl Dike, who is valued at around €17 million.
According to 90 min, Orlando City are prepared to cash in on Daryl Dike in the upcoming winter transfer window. The 21-year-old American striker is already courted by multiple English clubs, including Leeds United, with Orlando valuing the player at around €17 million.
A native of Oklahoma, Dike rose to prominence during his short-term loan spell at Barnsley earlier this year. He scored nine goals in just 19 Championship appearances, helping his club achieve an impressive fifth-place finish in the league. The Tykes were keen on acquiring his services on a permanent deal, but their offer of €9 million fell well short of his asking price.
As a result, Dike returned to Orlando City in the summer. And quite unsurprisingly, he has showcased his goalscoring credentials in the MLS, netting 11 goals in just 19 appearances. His phenomenal record in both Championship and MLS even earned him his debut in the USMNT, with the forward winning eight caps for his country since.
Dike’s performances have not gone unnoticed in England either, with Leeds United keen on acquiring his services in January. After struggling due to the injury of Patrick Bamford, the Whites are understandably in the market for a new striker as they look to recover from a disastrous start to the campaign.
Leeds are already involved in the race to sign Ben Brereton. But in Dike, they could find himself a more promising youngster with a much higher ceiling.
Standing at 1.87m, Dike’s imposing physique, coupled with his pace, also suggests he is far better equipped to deal with the rigours of the English top-flight. In addition, the 21-year-old offers aggression and tenacity in the first line of press that could tune in well with Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical philosophy.
However, Leeds United are set to face stiff competition in the pursuit of Daryl Dike. Their league rivals, Crystal Palace, were linked with a move for the US international earlier this season, while Championship giants West Brom are also keen on securing his services in January.
With Orlando City prepared to cash in on the striker, the fate of this pursuit may entirely depend on Dike himself, as he looks to take the biggest step in his career so far.
