So far in the ongoing summer transfer window, Leeds United have managed to engineer just two signings, that too on loan, in Lewis Baker and Jamal Blackman from the ranks of Chelsea. The Whites were in disarray last season and neither Thomas Christiansen nor Paul Heckingbottom managed to mould The Whites into genuine contenders for promotion to the Premier League.
After the appointment of Marcelo Bielsa at the helm of the Elland Road outfit, the football fraternity expected a busy summer for the Yorkshire based club. It hasn’t been the case so far but then, there is still some time for the transfer window to shut. According to one of the latest reports by Hull Daily Mail, Leeds United are keen to lure Middlesbrough’s Britt Assombalonga to the Elland Road.
Ever since Chris Wood’s switch to Burnley last summer, the Peacocks have struggled up front. The lack of a consistent goal scorer took a toll on their productivity and subsequently credentials, as finding the back of the net reared its head as one of the major issues during the brief reigns of Christiansen and Heckingbottom. To sharpen up their attack, someone like Assombalonga could be a healthy addition.
The 25-year-old is one of the best strikers in the Championship and there is no denying that. He played an instrumental role in taking the Smoggies to the playoffs last season. In 46 league appearances, he smashed 15 goals. During the 2016-17 season, he plundered 14 goals in 20 league starts for Nottingham Forest and back in 2014-15 season, he scored 15 times in 27 starts in the Championship.
A strong centre-forward with raw pace in his legs, Assombalonga is someone who defenders loathe to line up against. He is very good in the air and has the physicality to survive English football. The Congolese international knows exactly where the goal is and the manner in which he holds the ball in the final third allows his teammates to maraud forward and join in the attack.
Bielsa needs a consistent goal-getter who has the calibre and track record to score 15-20 goals in the league in a season and Assombalonga perfectly fits the bill. Besides, he has the experience of English football, having plied his trade for the likes of Watford, Peterborough United and Nottingham Forest. Tony Pulis is reportedly keen to reshuffle his squad this summer and considering that Leeds United are in a desperate need of a striker, the deal should benefit all the parties involved.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored