Caleb Ekuban’s fine form on loan at Turkish side Trabzonspor has seen him earn a call-up to Ghana’s national side for the first time as per Ghana’s official website – surely Leeds United have got to keep him now?
The 24-year-old has been sensational for the SuperLig outfit and although goals have dried up of late, he continues to be one of the first names on the team sheet.
He has scored seven goals and created two more. But what will impress Marcelo Bielsa more, perhaps, is his versatility – the Argentine manager is known to prefer players who can play in a number of positions.
Indeed, Italian-born Ekuban – who has Ghanaian citizenship – has played on both flanks and in the number 10 role this season, as well as his natural position as a striker.
Now, Ekuban is part of James Kwesi Appiah’s side to take on Kenya in an African Cup of Nations qualifier on March 24. He joins the likes of Inter Milan’s Kwadwo Asamoah, Newcastle’s Christian Atsu and Andre Ayew.
Starring in the top tier of Turkish football and breaking his way into Ghana’s set-up, Ekuban is beginning to show why Victor Orta brought the powerhouse striker to Elland Road last summer from Serie A side Chievo.
So, should Leeds keep him? He would certainly give Bielsa an option from the bench. Speed, power, a restored confidence and versatile – all the traits required to impress in either the Championship of the Premier League.
But what remains key is a £900,000 clause in his loan deal with Trabzonspor. Turkish outlet Miliyet claimed last summer that Trabzonspor had paid £180,00 up front, and would need to spend £900,000 to sign him permanently.
If they activate that clause, Leeds have to accept having agreed to the figure in the summer. Now, if Leeds want to keep Ekuban, the chances of that happening hinges on whether Trabzonspor activate the clause.
By Will Butcher