Leeds United could finally replace Raphinha with a last-minute move for Ismaila Sarr this transfer window.
Earlier this week, Sky Sports reporter Dharmesh Sheth delivered an update on the Whites’ current plans and revealed that they had an interest in the Watford winger.
“Leeds United looking for a forward and they continue to be linked with a move for Watford’s Ismaila Sarr,” he said during a club-by-club round-up on Sky Sports News on Wednesday afternoon.
Should Leeds sign Ismaila Sarr?
It’s not the first time that the Yorkshire outfit have been linked with a move for the Senegal sensation as reports in France suggested that the Hornets had rejected a €25m (£21.2m) offer from Premier League rivals Crystal Palace and that Leeds’ interest was “real”.
Football League World believe the north Londoners want £25m to let him go ahead of deadline day.
Forget Sinisterra
Leeds lost the services of Raphinha earlier in the window as he sealed his dream move to LaLiga side FC Barcelona and he’s arguably yet to be replaced.
Director of football Victor Orta and manager Jesse Marsch did sign a winger from the Eredivisie in Luis Sinisterra, who cost the club around £21m but he primarily played on the left flank for Feyenoord.
In fact, all of his 49 appearances last season came on that side, where he delivered 23 goals and 14 assists, as per Transfermarkt. And because of injury, we’ve only seen a six-minute cameo from him this campaign.
Raphinha, meanwhile, leaves a massive void on the right wing and that’s where Sarr fits the bill.
The 24-year-old dynamo, despite the Hornets’ struggles, was a threat in the Premier League, having delivered ten goals and eight assists across 50 appearances, whilst overall for the club, he has provided 44 direct contributions in 95 matches.
Leeds’ former star topped the charts at Elland Road for goals scored (11) and for creativity (1.9 key passes per game) last season, so he evidently leaves behind a huge gap.
Once described as “rapid” and “very, very fast” by his international teammate and ex-Liverpool superstar Sadio Mane, it’s clear that Sarr has the capability to deliver in the final third in the top-flight.
That is backed up by another old teammate in Abdoulaye Doucoure, who has previously lauded him “a Champions League player” with “exceptional qualities” to talkSPORT.
As such, Orta must push ahead to sign Sarr as he is the true replacement for Raphinha at Elland Road. Forget about Sinisterra, his future lies surely on the other flank, given his recent form.
AND in other news, Orta could unearth the next £20m talent as Leeds submit offer for 18 y/o sensation…
