According to Turkish Football, West Ham United will face competition from La Liga side Sevilla in the race to sign £8m-rated Trabzonspor midfielder Okay Yokuslu, who has been dubbed the “Turkish Busquets” by Spanish media outlet Estadio Deportivo, this summer.
What’s the word, then?
Well, Turkish Football reported on Wednesday that the Irons and their Premier League rivals West Bromwich Albion are both scouting the 24-year-old, who scored his first goal for Turkey in their 2-2 friendly draw with Montenegro on Tuesday, with a view to bringing him to the Premier League.
However, Sevilla also watched the midfielder in action for his country and were impressed with what they saw, with Estadio Deportivo quick to mention the similarities between his style of play and that of Barcelona star Sergio Busquets.
How has Yokuslu done this season?
The defensive midfielder, who can also play in a slightly more advanced role in the middle of the park and as a centre-back has impressed, scoring two goals and providing a further assist in 27 appearances in all competitions for the Turkish club.
According to WhoScored.com, his main strengths are his tackling, dribbling and ability to win aerial duels, interceptions and make blocks, and the 6ft 3in player has won 116 of the 174 of the duels he has faced in the air in 24 Super Lig outings this term, while he has made 54 interceptions and won 63 of the 85 tackles he has attempted.
Would he be a good signing for West Ham?
He certainly would be.
Yokuslu has all of the attributes needed to be a strong defensive midfielder in the Premier League, and he is exactly what they are looking for.
The fact that the 24-year-old could be available for as little as £8m will also be a big positive for the east London outfit, considering the ability he seems to have.
He certainly looks as though he would prove to be a big upgrade on Cheikhou Kouyate, with the Senegal international’s displays this season suggesting he is no longer good enough to be a regular starter, and having been heavily criticised by the London Stadium faithful.
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