Leeds United certainly had no problem in front of goal in the 2024/25 Championship season. It was a fantastic campaign for the Whites, who reached 100 points and won the league title on goal difference, which perhaps hints at just how clinical they were.
According to FBref, the 95 goals which Daniel Farke’s side scored last term was better than any other side in the division, smashing second-place Norwich’s tally of 71. Leeds overachieved when it came to goals scored, too. Their expected goals tally was 89.1xG, highlighting just how deadly they were in front of goal.
Leeds United's Mateo Joseph celebrates with Ethan Ampadu and Wilfried Gnonto
Incredibly, it seems like they will add to the firepower of that attack, but looking to sign a striker this summer.
The latest on Leeds’ pursuit of a striker
It has already been a busy summer at Elland Road when it comes to new signings. Jaka Bijol joined from Udinese as the most costly addition. Fellow centre-back Sebastiaan Bornauw and Gabriel Gudmundsson, a left-back, have also signed. Lukas Nmecha has joined the club on a free transfer.
Next up for the Yorkshire outfit could well be someone on a temporary deal, rather than a permanent signing. A report from journalist Graeme Bailey claims the Whites ‘have now registered their interest in signing’ Real Madrid starlet Gonzalo Garcia this summer.
It has been a whirlwind month or so for the striker, who burst onto the scene in the Club World Cup for Los Blancos. However, Leeds, along with Sunderland, Brentford and West Ham United, are plotting an ambitious loan move for the attacker this summer.
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The striker ‘is believed to be keen to play regular first-team football’, with Leeds one of the sides who could pounce, although they could reportedly face competition from Chelsea, who were said to be ready to pay €40m (£34m) for his signature.
Why Garcia would be a good signing
It was certainly a breakout tournament in the recent Club World Cup for Garcia. Journalist Zach Lowy was full of praise for the youngster and described his efforts as “world class” during the competition, which Chelsea went on to win.
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In total, the 21-year-old, who was born in Madrid, has played 12 times for the first team at the Santiago Bernabeu. He’s managed five goals and two assists in those few appearances, which included one strike in three games during 2023/24.
However, it was the recent Club World Cup where Garcia rose to stardom. He scored four goals in six games, grabbing one assist, too. Despite Madrid getting eliminated by PSG in the semi-final, Garcia took the Golden Boot home with him.
Some of his stats from the competition, courtesy of Sofascore, show just what Leeds see in him, to help add to the masses of goals already in their attack. For example, the Spaniard averaged 1.4 shots on target and 0.8 goals per 90 minutes. He certainly knows where to find the back of the net.
Garcia stats from Club World Cup
Stat
Minutes
Goals
Shots
Shots on target
Key passes
Aerial duels won
Stats from Sofascore
If Farke’s side are successful in bringing Garcia to Elland Road, he could be the biggest talent they’ve had since Archie Gray left the club. The 19-year-old joined Tottenham Hotspur last summer, ending a lifelong association with his boyhood club.
He made 52 appearances in that famous White shirt, at both right-back and his natural position in the centre of midfield. His contributions in 2023/24 helped Leeds reach the Championship playoff final, where they ultimately lost to Southampton.
It certainly feels like Garcia could be the best talent Elland Road has had since their homegrown star departed. Gray has been highly rated across the footballing world for some time. Last year, he was named 43rd on Goal’s NXGN list, which included Lamine Yamal, Kobbie Mainoo and Leny Yoro.
It might be too soon for the Los Blancos youngster to be there, given the fact he hasn't played much football, but just look at how he lit up the Club World Cup. This seems to be a player destined for the top.
Gonzalo Garcia
He is a player who has already starred on the world stage, so it would be a huge coup for Leeds if they pull it off.
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