Ever since the departure of Chris Wood to Burnley last summer, Leeds United have not been able to find a consistent goal scorer. They struggled on many occasions to find the back of the net last season, be it under the tutelage of Thomas Christiansen or Paul Heckingbottom. The Whites did bring in Pierre-Michel Lasogga on loan from Hamburger SV but he flattered to deceive.
Besides, the club also brought Pawel Cibicki from Malmo FF, Caleb Ekuban from Chievo Verona and Jay-Roy Grot from NEC to beef up their attacking arsenal. However, none of them could cement their place in the starting line-up owing to their lacklustre performances. Kemar Roofe was used up top to showcase his calibre but he was sporadic and left a lot to be desired.
Leeds United hardly made an impact in the race for promotion to the Premier League last season and were really mediocre in their attempts to do so. They lacked the cutting edge which was expected from them at the onset and there is no denying that. With the club now under the guardianship of Marcelo Bielsa, they must be aiming to better their credentials after the travails of last season.
The Peacocks have been attempting to sign Derby County striker, Matej Vydra. However, they are getting impatient with the time the deal is taking and as per one of the latest reports by Hull Daily Mail, Leeds United have chosen Aston Villa striker, Jonathan Kodjia, as an alternative. Kodjia scored only once in 18 appearances for Steve Bruce’s side last season in the Championship but is on the radar of Leeds United.
Kodjia struggled last season due to injuries and missed a major chunk of the season owing to his ankle injury. Nonetheless, he is a proven goal scorer and once he is on song, he has the potential to destroy even the most resolute of defences in the English second division. He is powerful, quick, intelligent and has plenty of experience of English football under his belt which makes him a valuable player.
Besides, he is good in the air, holds the ball well in the final third and is quite clinical in his endeavours as well. Aston Villa are in need of cash and this might force them to sell one of their star players in the shape of Kodjia. He has the calibre to spearhead the attack of Bielsa’s side and Leeds United will be pleased if they can land him in the coming weeks.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored