Leeds United have started the 2017-18 Championship season in a decent manner, having bagged a couple of wins and as many draws in their first four league outings. They are currently placed 5th in the league table and after going very close to the play-off spots last term when Garry Monk was in charge, the Whites have started to hit the right chords under the tutelage of Thomas Christiansen in the early phase of this season.
But then, the West Yorkshire based outfit have succumbed to the temptation of £15million which Burnley tabled in order to lure sensational goal scorer Chris Wood. Wood emerged as one of the hottest properties in Championship football after his stellar performances under Monk last season. The New Zealand international banged in 27 Championship goals and was the leading goal getter in the English second division last season.
His exit has left Christiansen with a huge void to fill and in order to beef up his attacking arsenal, the club have signed NEC’s Jay-Roy Grot on his radar.
Who is Jay-Roy Grot?
Grot emerged from the youth ranks of Vitesse 1892, ESA Rijkerswoerd and NEC, and was eventually promoted to the senior side of the Goffertstadion Nijmegen based outfit. The 19-year-old made 20 appearances for his former employers last season and scored 5 goals in the process and has been signed for £1.5million.
Grot is an exciting talent to have been noticed by the Peacocks, as he ticks many boxes of a blossoming starlet who could create a buzz in the near future. He is tall, physically quite strong, which is essential for the Championship.
He will also bring the added versatility as he is capable enough of plying his trade as a striker, secondary striker as well as a right winger. The Netherlands U19 international is good in the air and has shown immense calmness inside the penalty box so far in his career, which is really pleasing if we consider his tender age.
Leeds United are really looking for attackers in the ongoing final days of the summer transfer window and have also been linked with Middlesbrough’s poacher Rudy Gestede, although they have failed to tempt the Smoggies with their initial offer of £5.5million.
Grot is still far from being a finished product at this stroke of hour, so it would be intriguing to see how Christiansen utilises him; whether the Dutchman would be a player for the future or get first team opportunities immediately is something that remains to be seen.
Image courtesy: Leedsunited.com
