OPINION
Leeds United must ditch Caleb Ekuban for good at the end of the season.
As things stand, the Yorkshire giants are set to welcome the striker, who has a contract until 2021, back to Elland Road in the summer following the completion of his loan spell at Trabzonspor.
The 24-year-old joined the Super Lig club last summer on a season-long loan costing £170,000, with Turkish outlet Milliyet claiming there is an option to purchase the Italian-born striker this summer for a further £860,000.
However, Ekuban cast doubt over whether the option will be triggered, as he suggested in an update on his future he could have other options at the end of the season.
“I’m not interested in my future at the moment,” Ekuban said at the weekend, as quoted by Fotospor. “I am only focusing on playing as many games as possible until the end of the season. After that, I will think about what to do next.”
As far as Leeds are concerned, they should hope Ekuban’s loan at Trabzonspor becomes permanent – it is unclear if he can block it – or another transfer of a similar value materialises.
Certainly, the Ghana-born striker is not good enough for the Yorkshire giants, whether they are in the Premier League or the Championship next season.
His Labrador-esque enthusiasm and work ethic won over many supporters last season but his lack of end product and clinical touch also infuriated them.
The forward has made a decent fist of life in Turkey, scoring seven goals from 28 matches, and has started nine league games on the trot.
He has been used in a right flank role over the last month, but in neither position would he be good enough for a Leeds side that have moved on without him.