Leeds United are ‘working hard’ to secure manager Jesse Marsch a new striker…
What’s the word?
That’s according to Sky Sports journalist Tim Thornton, who provided a fresh update on the state of play at Thorp Arch to GIVEMESPORT this week.
He revealed:
“They’ve been working hard on this, this is not something they’re suddenly shining a light moment where we need to get a striker in, they’ve known about it and have identified the targets.”
Which striker should Leeds sign?
Marsch needs a striker
Indeed, the west Yorkshire outfit have been linked to an array of potential forwards in recent weeks, including Stade Rennes’ Martin Terrier, Arnaud Kalimuendo of Paris Saint-Germain and a proven Premier League talent in Che Adams from Southampton.
It’s been a busy summer of activity for director of football Victor Orta and chairman Andrea Radrizzani as they have overseen some major departures and as many as six new signings.
Some of the Whites’ recent protagonists such as Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips have moved on, the latter signing for reigning champions Manchester City.
They have been replaced by Luis Sinisterra from Feyenoord and Marc Roca from Bayern Munich, whilst manager Jesse Marsch has sealed a plethora of his former players in Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen and Tyler Adams.
All of which add something considerable to Leeds – four of the six signings made their debut in the 2-1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday, only going to show their importance already and exactly why they were signed.
Now, the priority must be a new striker as both the American and his predecessor, Marcelo Bielsa, suffered from a lack of frontline options last season. That’s because of the persistent injury problems to Patrick Bamford, which limited him to only nine Premier League appearances.
Without an alternative, the burden fell on young striker Joe Gelhardt, who whilst undoubtedly talented isn’t ready for a regular starting berth, and diminutive winger Dan James, who is far from a leading striker in the big time.
Whether it be Terrier or Adams, the arrival of a new frontman could be Orta’s latest masterclass as it’s abundantly clear that the American is in dire need of another forward if Leeds are to avoid a fatal repeat of last season.
Bamford, who bagged a squad-high 17 goals a season earlier, needs competition and backup if the Yorkshire giants are to steer clear of the relegation zone this time around and as such, it would be an ideal seventh signing of the summer, whoever it may be.
AND in other news, Leeds have “definite interest” in £34m goal machine, he’d be a “real coup” for Marsch…
