Leeds United target Daryl Dike unlikely to return to USA after Barnsley loan success
Orlando City striker Daryl Dike is “highly likely” to move on in the summer transfer window amid speculation linking him with Leeds United, according to TeamTalk.
Dike, 20, joined Barnsley on loan from Orlando in the winter and was in impressive form in the second half of the season, scoring nine goals in 22 appearances across all competitions as the Tykes made the Championship play-offs.
However, it is understood that Barnsley cannot afford the £17million option-to-buy clause [TeamTalk] they agreed when they signed the USA international on loan while he’s also unlikely to return to MLS outfit Orlando City.
Chelsea, Everton, Manchester United and Wolves are also said to be keen on signing the young talent, who may be one to watch this summer.
We don’t see it happening
Dike has had a good loan stint at Barnsley but do we see him fitting in with Marcelo Bielsa’s style of play at Elland Road? Absolutely not.
Leeds may well go in for a new striker in the summer to provide further back-up to Patrick Bamford but Rodrigo showed in the final few weeks of this season he’s more than capable of getting goals.
Dike didn’t score goals for fun at Barnsley but he did enough to suggest he’s someone with a lot of talent who could come good in a few years’ time for Premier League clubs.
EFL on Quest host Colin Murray has called Dike a “revelation” this season while Richie Wellens has described the Oklahoma-born striker as a “quick” and “powerful” player who’s “given Barnsley a whole new dimension”.
He could provide a new dimension for Leeds’ attack too but knowing Bielsa, he would rather have players who are like for like rather than opposite to one another.
Dike just isn’t like Bamford at all.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds’ new home kit for next season has been leaked online.