Leeds United fans are in raptures about the capture of Argentine coaching guru Marcelo Bielsa as their boss for next season, now the clamouring turns to the need for goals.
Of all the deficiencies in the West Yorkshire club’s performances last season, up top was where United suffered probably the most. The 27 goals of Chris Wood from 2016/17 were always going to be a big ask to replace, that proved to be the case.
Kemar Roofe (11) and Pierre-Michel Lasogga (10) only mustered 21 goals between them as Leeds United lurched from one bad performance to the next. Wood’s consistency in front of goal was replaced with goals of a sporadic nature as Leeds United fans tore their hair out.
Names have been mentioned in the post-season as to players the Whites are looking at bringing in to rectify the goal drought at the Whites, with Nigerian Jerry Mbakogu one to feature prominently. Whilst fans might not applaud that chase, they are likely to welcome definite interest in want-away Hull City, and soon-to-be free agent, striker Abel Hernandez.
The Sun say that the Whites could have been given a foot up in that respect with Galatasaray, who were also linked, said in talks with the agent of Leicester City forward Ahmed Musa. That ‘interest’ has been interpreted by some to have diverted Galatasaray away from Hernandez.
Another said in United’s sights is Derby County striker Matej Vydra, a player whose 21 goals last season would certainly replace the goals of Chris Wood in a misfiring Leeds United side. The interest has been bubbling for a while now, with some Twitter accounts pushing the following line:
Breaking:
Leeds United: Today’s been a busy one. Big news is that Vydra talks advancing. Player has been with his representatives in Leeds today discussing personal terms. Move looking more likely by the minute. #lufc #mo pic.twitter.com/6KWlYZmFiU— EllandRoadHQ (@EllandRoadHQ) June 21, 2018
However, with rumours swirling around of the likes of Vydra’s car being spotted in Leeds over the last couple of days, reliable journalist Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post has the following to say on a supposed imminent ‘deal’.
that will come as news to his representatives
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) June 21, 2018
Hay then went on to say the following in reply to another Leeds United fan’s question in the same thread:
I’m not saying that but Leeds would probably have to go over £10m to get him. Plenty of interest
— Phil Hay (@PhilHayYEP) June 21, 2018
Whilst Hay doesn’t dismiss Leeds United’s chances of landing hotshot Vydra out-of-hand, he does mention two big stumbling blocks: price and interest. Goals don’t come cheaply, and 21 goals from Vydra last season would be the benchmark that has driven his value to around, indeed above, the £10 million mark.
The other obstacle, interest from other clubs, is also something driven primarily by his goal haul from last season. 21 goals by any player is likely to bring clubs a-calling and their company cheque books a-waving.
Whichever way you look at it, and there are whisperings beginning to emerge that Leeds United interest in Vydra might firm up as the club are said prioritising the Czech striker over Hernandez, it doesn’t appear that Whites fans will be celebrating tomorrow. These same whispers do indicate that there might be movement on the deal next week, ‘next week’ being a term that Leeds United fans have gotten wearily used to.
