Leeds United are interested in signing Wolfsburg winger Josip Brekalo, but the Whites may miss out on the Croatian international. As per Alfredo Pedulla, the 23-year-old winger is close to joining Italian club Lazio.
Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa was reportedly keen on signing Brekalo. With Leeds United looking set to miss out on the former Dinamo Zagreb player’s signature, let’s take a look at 3 alternatives that Bielsa should target.
Mikkel Damsgaard
Denmark was one of the surprise packages of Euro 2020, reaching the semi-final of the tournament. The Danes went through a major setback in the tournament when they lost the services of Christian Eriksen in their opening game, which saw them go through a major emotional upheaval while also lose their most talented player on the pitch.
But, the Danish side stuck together and eventually made their way to the final four of the competition. One of the stars for the Danes was Mikkel Damsgaard, who scored a fabulous free-kick against England as well. Damsgaard was a threat in the final third with his direct running and passing. The 21-year-old currently plays for Italian club Sampdoria, and he could be a good addition to the Leeds side.
Damsgaard is a hard-working and versatile player who can play all across the frontline, as well as the No. 10 role. The young attacker’s work ethic and creativity would help him fit into Bielsa’s style of play.
Daniel James
It’s public knowledge how close Daniel James was to becoming a Leeds United player in the January transfer window in 2019. Swansea City pulled the plug in the last minute of the deal, but the Welshman eventually left that summer, joining Manchester United.
Daniel James had a promising start to his Old Trafford career, but had a less-than-impressive 2020-21 season. The winger may not have too many chances at Manchester United in the upcoming season, following the addition of Jadon Sancho to the Red Devils squad. Leeds could be a good destination for James, who is supremely quick and has decent dribbling ability.
Daniel James could be used on either wing for the Whites, and his speed could be a potent weapon for Bielsa’s side, who look to release their attackers with quick passes from the back and midfield.
Matheus Pereira
West Bromwich Albion attacker Matheus Pereira was his side’s best player last season, as he created plenty of chances and was also the top-scorer for his side. Pereira is a tricky and skillful attacker who can dribble and even pick out clever passes in the final third.
Matheus Pereira would be a solid addition to the Leeds squad as he is capable of playing in plenty of positions – out wide on either wing, or as a central attacking midfielder. The Brazilian is a player who can score and assist plenty of goals, and loves taking charge of the midfield area to create chances for his side.