Arguably one of the biggest priorities for us this summer, now that we’re back in the big time is a central striker upgrade on Joel Piroe – even, possibly more than one.
Granted, Piroe has done well for us, but if we’re able to get a couple in, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re open to offers for the Dutchman, though, I digress.
Last time we were back, we came out of nowhere to sign what was considered a ‘big name’ when we brought in Rodrigo Moreno from Valencia for around £30 million. This is the type of marquee signing we need this time around up front – though, a lot more prolific in front of goal.
With that in mind, I’ve come up with a few possible signings – who haven’t been linked to us yet that I think could do a job for us.
Could Brazilian Flair Be The Answer?
Completely from left-field, I’ve sprung up Al-Hilal’s former Benfica Brazilian forward, Marcos Leonardo who would be an intriguing proposition. With an eye for goal, the 22-year-old possesses great movement, works the channels and can be a handful for defenders with his energy.
Also with an eye for goal, though not your ‘typical’ modern number nine, Leonardo certainly has the flair of our former Brazilian Raphina. He would probably command a fee of between £15-20 million as well and has great re-sale potential. The only question is, how much of a gamble would he be?
A Potential Heir To Rodrigo For Spain May Interest
Another interesting prospect would be striker, Abel Ruiz, who at 25 has demonstrated that he has decent potential, though has never really hit the heights, current club Girona FC thought he was capable of after signing him last summer from SC Braga.
Blessed with intelligence and a silky player, he came through the ranks at Barcelona and, if he can hit the heights that he is capable of, could become a regular starter for Spain over the next few years.
He could be a good rotation option for us and I doubt we’d need to pay more than £12 million for him.
Dutch Dangerman Could Be An Ambitious Upgrade
Possibly just out of our reach, but Ajax frontman Brian Brobbey would be exactly the calibre of player that can be a hit at Elland Road. Should the Dutch giants be under pressure to sell to meet financial obligations and focus on a rebuild, Brobbey would be a name that could bring in a good amount.
No doubt, there would be a number of clubs interested in him – I think he’s been linked with a few from the Premier League over the last 12 months, including Tottenham, so we could face stiff competition for his signature. I think anything over £30 million would be too much for us though, but it would highlight the level of our ambition if we showed an interest in this calibre of player.
Striker Should Be A Priority
Whatever happens in the transfer window for us this summer, there is no doubt that we need to be focusing on signing a striker, capable of doing the business that keeps us in the top flight.
It is probably the most crucial position that needs strengthening, because, as we have seen – if you don’t score goals, you will struggle.
While the three I’ve mentioned are purely suggestions, I would not be surprised if any striker we do sign is one that hasn’t been linked previously.
