Leeds United are in the market for a striker, and Daniel Farke has indicated that not having a starting number 9 in his squad is a big hole ahead of their return to the Premier League next season. The Leeds boss wants a new striker in the building before the end of the window.
Going into the summer transfer window, after winning promotion to the Premier League last season, Leeds knew that they needed to bring in a new striker who could score goals in the Premier League. However, all their early effort were concentrated on strengthening and deepening their defensive and midfield resources.
Most Read on The Leeds Press
Leeds did sign a striker early in the window when Lukas Nmecha joined on a free transfer, and while he has looked good in pre-season, his injury record suggests the Whites cannot depend on him being the starting number 9 in the team for a season.
The Whites have been keeping tabs on Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, who is their top target, and are even considering options outside England, with Rennes’ Arnaud Kalimuendo believed to be on their radar as a potential number 9 to lead the line next season at Elland Road.
Can you name these 10 former Leeds United strikers?
Leeds United are back in the transfer mix for Nikola Krstovic
Nikola Krstovic has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds all summer, but the Lecce striker has been keener on staying in Italy and playing for a big Serie A outfit.
The forward has been cool about the prospect of joining Leeds, despite talk of the club making a verbal offer, and has been hoping to attract one of the big names of Italian football.
Napoli’s interest in him has faded, and Roma were the club who were pushing hard to negotiate a deal to sign him from Lecce this summer.
However, according to the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera, Roma have withdrawn their interest in the forward in the ongoing transfer window.
They have signed Evan Ferguson on loan this summer, and are no longer considering making a move for the Lecce striker this summer.
This has brought back the prospect of the forward leaving Italy in the next four weeks, and Leeds remain interested in acquiring the striker who scored 11 Serie A goals last season.
Leeds should want players who want to be at Elland Road
Krstovic has already made it clear he’s not enthusiastic about joining Leeds, and the Whites appear to be his backup option if a move to a bigger Italian club doesn’t materialise.
In a season where the club are likely to be fighting to survive, the club need players who will be committed to the cause and not someone who seems to think they can do better than Leeds.
Leeds would prefer to sign a Premier League forward, and are working on deals in the background for strikers who are proven in the top flight of English football.
If they look to bring in someone from outside England, there are better options at the same price point this summer.
Related Topics