After a season where Patrick Bamford played fewer than 20% of the available minutes in the Premier League, with Leeds United struggling badly in his absence, Victor Orta was always likely to target a striker this summer. Leeds attempted to cover for the loss of their top scorer for the previous two seasons with the players they already had in the squad, but none of the options tried were successful and this was a key factor in the Whites having to battle relegation until the final day of the season.
Bamford picked up an injury in the fifth game of the season, which saw him miss Leeds next nine games. However, he scored a stoppage time equaliser on his return in December, only to strain his hamstring celebrating, causing him another absence. During that period, the striker struggled to return due to an issue with his plantar fascia, which eventually ruptured during his third attempt at a comeback in the season.
Joe Gelhardt, Rodrigo, Tyler Roberts and Daniel James were all tried up front and whilst Gelhardt will certainly be given plenty more opportunities next season, it is clear Leeds need another quality option at centre forward. This is particularly important given that Jesse Marsch prefers two striker systems.
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As such, here are some options that Orta might be looking at to fill the role:
Arnaud Kalimuendo
The PSG youngster is a player Leeds have reportedly already bid for, according to the Independent. Kalimuendo was on loan from the French Champions a RC Lens in 21/22, scoring 12 Ligue 1 goals in 34 appearances as Lens finished seventh in the division.
Leeds are said to have made a bid of around £20 million for he 20-year-old. However, PSG rate the French Under 21 international highly and although they will sanction a sale, reports state that they will demand a buy-back clause in any deal.
Valentin Castellanos
The New York City striker has been linked to Leeds throughout this summer and Orta and Angus Kinnear were even picture in New York recently, fueling rumours of a deal being worked on. It's easy to see why the Whites would be interested, given that 23-year-old hit 22 goals in all competitions last season, leading his side to the MLS Cup.
He is deemed ready for a move to a stronger league by many pundits and is said to be available for a fee of around £15 million.
Viktor Gyökeres
Next, a domestic option in the form of Coventry City striker Gyökeres. The Sweden international had a superb season in 21/22, hitting 17 Championship goals and helping Coventry to an impressive 12th place finish, considering their budget. His excellent form saw him return to the Swedish national team for the first time since 2019 and, at 24, he could be set for a fresh challenge in his career.
Terem Moffi
Returning to France, 23-year-old Lorient striker, Terem Moffi could be an option worth looking at. His 21/22 season wasn't quite as impressive as his debut campaign, where he hit 14 Ligue 1 goals, but he still managed eight goals in a bottom half team.
Moffi is the perfect profile of strike for the way Marsch wants to play, as he is comfortable engaging with defenders physically and can hold the ball up, whils he has pace tos tretch the play and run in behind. However, his finishing can be wild.
Armando Broja
The final option is the least realistic, as Chelsea are unlikely to sanction a permanent deal for Broja. If Leeds were prepared to go for a loan, the Albanian could be perfect, as he has already shown he is comfortable in the Premier League, as he scored six goals last season. He also has experience playing in a similar system to Leeds' having played for Southampton.
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