Leeds United are in the market for a new striker this summer as they look to avoid the same issues that plagued them last season. Patrick Bamford missed the majority of the campaign through injury and it wasn’t until May that Joe Gelhardt was handed a run of starts.
Gelhardt more than proved himself to be an able deputy or partner for Bamford in his appearances over the course of the season, though he did also suffer with injury issues of his own. If Jesse Marsch is going to adopt a system with two strikers, he will need more than just Bamford and Gelhardt in his squad to succeed.
Several strikers have already been linked with a move to Leeds this summer, and so with that in mind, here is a look at each of them following the opening of the transfer window today.
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Eddie Nketiah – Arsenal
With Eddie Nketiah seemingly keen to leave Arsenal, Leeds were looking to take advantage of his situation by snapping him up on a free transfer. Nketiah had repeatedly made it clear he would not sign a new deal at the Emirates, however a run of eight starts in a row at the end of the season has changed his mind.
The 23-year-old has reportedly had a late change of heart and is instead set to sign a new five-year-deal with Arsenal. That will put an end to Leeds’ interest, who were thought to be confident of prising him back to Elland Road.
Valentin Castellanos – New York City FC
Another name who has repeatedly cropped up this summer is New York City FC’s Valentin Castellanos. Castellanos won the MLS golden boot last season and is arguably the best player in the division at the moment.
Both Victor Orta and Angus Kinnear were pictured in New York last week, however beyond media speculation – this does not seem to be a deal Leeds are pressing on with.
Junior Adamu – RB Salzburg
If Leeds secure the signing of Junior Adamu, that would make it a hattrick of incomings from Red Bull Salzburg this summer following Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen’s arrivals. Adamu only broke into the first team at the Austrian champions last season but was not always first choice.
He scored nine goals and registered five assists over the course of the campaign, including the opener against Bayern Munich in the Champions League last-16. If Leeds get this signing over the line, it may be a case of signing potential, rather than someone who will immediately hit the ground running.
Alberth Elis – Boavista/Bordeaux
The newest name to have been linked with a move to Leeds is Honduras international Alberth Elis. Elis spent last season on loan at Bordeaux, where despite relegation, he scored nine goals in 20 matches.
Given the fact they will be plying their trade in Ligue 2 next season, it is unlikely Bordeaux will look to sign him on a permanent deal. That could leave the door open for Leeds to make a move for Elis.
Ben Brereton-Diaz – Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn exercised a one-year extension in Ben Brereton Diaz’s contract this summer, however it would not be a surprise to still see him leave. Leeds are one of several Premier League and European clubs who are reportedly keen on Brereton-Diaz, who netted 22 Championship goals last seasons.
The 23-year-old’s stock has grown enormously in the last 12 months after making his mark on the international stage with Chile. Given his success at that level, he will be hopeful of a move to a side in the top-flight.
