Leeds United’s striker search continues with Julian Quinones, the latest in a long line of names linked with the Yorkshire club. Jesse Marsch is reportedly a big admirer of the Colombian, who has played in Mexico his entire career.
According to the initial report from Foot Mercato, Marsch has long admired Quinones, who has many redeeming qualities as a player. The 25-year-old has made 164 appearances in his career, scoring 49 goals and registering 18 assists. He scored 14 goals from 42 games in the 2021-22 season for Atlas Guadalajara, including three crucial goals over the semi-final and final to help the club to the title.
Quinones has the versatility to play as a centre-forward or on either wing. Therefore, he could provide the cover that has been lacking for Patrick Bamford while also helping fill the void left by Raphinha.
READ MORE: Michael Skubala's first Leeds United U21 side predicted as Sonny Perkins and Archie Gray feature
He is primarily a striker, though, which is somewhere Leeds have been looking to strengthen this window. With the club’s main target in that position likely to be heading elsewhere after a long, drawn-out saga, Quinones is supposedly one of the alternative targets the club are currently weighing up.
The 25-year-old is a multi-time league champion in Mexico and also won the CONCACAF Champions League with Tigres in the 2019/20 season. He certainly has the winning pedigree and experience Leeds will be looking for at a high level to come into their young team.
Quinones has been capped eight times by Colombia at the Under-20 level but, aside from that, does not have much international acclaim, which means Leeds could get him at a relatively cheap fee despite the forward being contracted to Atlas until 2026.
After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Marsch will be hoping the array of new signings at his disposal can help inspire a safer season. Quinones would follow the trend of new arrivals that have not experienced English football before, but that is not to say it would not work, and the fact that his game is relatively unknown in Europe and England could turn into a positive.
READ NEXT:
Leeds United's loanees aiming to prove a point as Championship prepares for kick off
Leeds United stars aiming to give Jesse Marsch food for thought against Cagliari
Leeds United's expected line-up against Cagliari as Rodrigo role and left-back choice explained
Jesse Marsch's Leeds United left-back options as head coach ponders Premier League selection
Michael Skubala's Leeds United in-tray as he gets to work as new U21s boss
