Leeds United had a busy summer on the transfer front as Daniel Farke’s side prepared for life in the Premier League
Leeds United stormed to the Championship title last season under the guidance of Daniel Farke. They went up to the Premier League along with Burnley and Sunderland. The Whites have since been busy on the recruitment front as they look to stay up in their first campaign back in the top flight.
Farke’s men drew 0-0 with Newcastle United at Elland Road in their last outing before the international break. The Yorkshire outfit have struggled for goals so far this term. They will get the chance to boost their attacking department again when the January transfer window opens for business, unless they wanted to delve into the free agent market in the meantime.
Leeds United need to eye Jean Philippe-Mateta alternative
According to Team Talk, Leeds are interested in a £40 million swoop for Jean Philippe-Mateta at Crystal Palace along with Aston Villa. However, the player isn’t believed to be keen on the move at this stage, with Villa Park seen to be a more attractive proposition at this stage. Therefore, they will need to source alternative targets.
Wolfsburg attacker Jonas Wind would be a shrewd addition instead if the Whites were able to get him. He has been quietly going under the radar in the Bundesliga over recent times. The forward’s form has gone unnoticed compared to the likes of Harry Kane, Serhou Guirassy and Benjamin Sesko, among others, over the past couple of campaigns.
The Denmark international, who has 35 caps under his belt, is a bit of a hidden gem and wouldn’t be a bad option for Leeds if they managed to persuade him to switch to England. He joined his current club back in January 2022 and hasn’t looked back since. The Hvidovre-born man has scored 34 goals in 113 games, 11 of which came last term.
Wind had spells as a youngster with Avedøre IF and Rosenhøj Boldklub before FC Copenhagen signed him in 2012. He subsequently rose up through the academy ranks of the latter and was a regular at various different youth levels. The Danish Superliga giants handed him his first-team debut in 2017 and he went on to play 113 matches altogether, finding the net on 46 occasions, before he left for a new challenge in Germany.
Why Leeds United should swoop for Jonas Wind
Leeds could do with some more firepower at the top end of the pitch, especially if they are to avoid an immediate return to the second tier. Therefore, this winter is crucial for them in terms of what business they can. Wind has consistently scored goals so far in his career and may feel that now is the right time to test himself in another country.
If he joined the Whites, he would give them more competition and depth up top. In addition, he would offer something different with his physically and ability in the air. He is a handful and his strength and power causes issues for German defences.
At 26, he still has plenty of years ahead of him and the potential to develop. He is about to come into his prime and this would be the best opportunity for Leeds to strike. Wolfsburg paid only £10.4million for his signature from Copenhagen which in today’s market is a bargain.
His contract Volkswagen Arena expires in June next year and he is yet to put pen-to-paper on an extension. He is due to become a free agent when this season is over as things stand. Paul Simonis’ side risk losing him for nothing if they don’t cash in on him this winter, assuming he doesn’t commit his future anytime soon, so the door could swing wide open for the Whites to pounce.
There is no doubt that Mateta would be perfect for Leeds but it seems unlikely that they will be able to get him. His deal at Selhurst Park runs until 2027 so the Eagles don’t need to sell him anytime soon and can wait for big money. Wind would be a lot cheaper and although he isn’t proven, he could be worth a punt.
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