Leeds United: Marcelo Bielsa could find a new Pablo Hernandez in Orkun Kokcu | OneFootball

Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa could unearth his new Pablo Hernandez at Elland Road by finally signing Feyenoord sensation Orkun Kokcu.

What’s the story?

Sport (via Sport Witness) claimed earlier this year that the Whites had joined the likes of Leicester and Sevilla in the race to sign Kokcu, and that they have the money required to bring him to Elland Road.

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Now, according to Feyenoord Transfermarkt (via Sport Witness), the Leeds target was the subject of a bid from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin, but that the play-maker has made it clear he is only prepared to leave at the end of the season.

Leeds’ new Pablo Hernandez

Following Hernandez’s exit, Leeds have lacked a truly creative midfielder who can operate in that number ten role, with the likes of Kalvin Phillips and Mateusz Klich playing deeper. Kokcu, by comparison, fits the bill to a tee.

In a profile piece by The Evening Standard, they wrote: “While Kokcu is primarily viewed as a central midfielder, the 19-year-old is a gifted technician on the ball and has been tipped to move further up the field as a playmaker.

“The Turkish youngster enjoys dictating play in the central areas of the pitch and has a keen eye for a pass, much like Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas, preferring to control proceedings from deeper positions.”

Speaking to Goal, former Manchester United defender Jaap Stam raved about Kokcu’s quality, saying: “He has the ability. He is a player who has the personality to want to improve, he always wants to do better. He’s never happy with himself, he’s disappointed if he doesn’t score, or his passes aren’t good enough.

“He’s certainly got the ability to make that step to the Premier League. He has creativity, scoring ability, stamina and running ability. He keeps on going. I saw him as a very promising player.”

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Kokcu evidently has the “creativity” and ability to be a major threat in the final third of the pitch, and with Hernandez’s departure – someone who registered 41 assists for Leeds – the 20-year-old starlet could help kick-start a new era at Elland Road.

Given they were interested in the £10.8m-rated dynamo earlier this year, and the fact Kokcu is prepared to leave Feyenoord in the summer of 2022, Bielsa may finally be able to get his man.