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If there was a saying to sum up Leeds’ season, it would be “so close yet so far away”.
The Yorkshire side looked certain to gain promotion to the Premier League, with the enigmatic Marcelo Bielsa bringing his breathless style of football to English shores for the first time in his career. Yet when the dust settled, Leeds just couldn’t get the job done.
But all is not lost. The Whites managed to reclaim the services of Bielsa for a second season and with rumours of a Qatari takeover on the horizon the future could be well and truly prosperous for Leeds, who many neutrals are keen to see back in the Premier League.
Heading into the transfer window, Bielsa will need to be certain that every new face brought in has what it takes to push Leeds over the finish line and return them to the promised land of top-flight football. So out of all the names reported so far, who will actually help the Whites to this goal?
[snack_break title=”Jamal Lowe”]
Signing from the lower leagues might not be the ideal move when looking for players that can fire you to the Premier League, but Jamal Lowe is a rare exception, and according to Sky Sports News, Leeds are set to duke it out for the Portsmouth winger this summer.
Blessed with rapid pace and deadly finishing, Lowe has been one of League One’s most impressive players, raking up 15 goals and nine assists in the league this season, and under Bielsa, the 24-year-old could be a great secret weapon to have.
Lowe wouldn’t be involved with the first-team straight away, but there is no doubt the Pompey man will work his way up the pecking order over time and make the wings his own at Leeds.
[snack_break title=”Luke Freeman”]
Bielsa’s style of football limits the options Leeds can go for this summer, but for Luke Freeman, the QPR man would be a perfect signing for the club as London Football News report that Leeds are interested in the playmaker.
Freeman’s versatility to play in both midfield and on the wings make him an ideal player for Bielsa’s squad, and 27-years-old, the former Arsenal academy product will add good experience to a side brimming with young talent that can learn a thing or two from the experienced midfielder.
Nine goals and eight assists last season is also a good indicator that Freeman is heading into the prime years of his career, and Leeds need to pounce on this before it is too late.
[snack_break title=”Callum O’Dowda”]
Another player from the Championship who is reportedly on Leeds’ radar is Bristol City winger Callum O’Dowda, who according to the Times is ready for a fresh start, and that the Whites are one of the sides in the running.
The Ireland international has been out of action since March with a knee injury and was previously rumoured with a move to Leeds back in the January transfer window by Leeds Live. With five goals and five assists to his name last season, Leeds should consider making a move for the Bristol speedster this summer.
With Jack Harrison unlikely to return next season, Leeds are in need of a left-sided winger who is able to contribute to the score sheet, and O’Dowda fits the bill.
[snack_break title=”Florian Aye”]
It’s safe to say Leeds wouldn’t have made it as far had it not been for the goal scoring heroics of Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford, but heading into the next season it could be wise to stock up more on reliable strikers, which is why Florian Aye would be a smart signing.
The 22-year-old striker has been reported by Turkish outlet Haberturk as a target for Leeds after an impressive season in Ligue 2, hitting 18 goals for Clermont Foot, and Aye’s reliable form in front of goal will be a much-needed boost for Bielsa.
Being rotated with Roofe and Bamford will ensure goals galore at Elland Road next season, and at 22, Aye could be the man to lead the line for the foreseeable future at Leeds if he finds his feet in England.
[snack_break title=”Dino Islamovic”]
Another story from overseas has seen Swedish outlet FotbollDirekt link Ostersunds striker Dino Islamovic with a move to Leeds this summer, and just like Aye, the attacker could be a great addition to the squad.
Currently on four goals this season, Islamovic will add more attacking depth to Leeds and a useful option waiting in the wings. The target man’s ability to hold up play and allow wingers to sneak in behind has made the 25-year-old a vital player for the Swedish side.
Power, height and the ability to bring wide players into the attack sounds like the profile of a striker that could thrive at Leeds, and Islamovic may be the man just for the job.
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