Leeds United’s pursuit of Rodrigo Muniz appears to be a transfer saga which will go all the way towards the very end of the window.
Rodrigo Muniz’s profile is why Leeds United remain so keen, given that he can score goals and spearhead an attack as the focal point of either a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
At one stage of the window, Leeds made progress over a deal for Muniz but things have since stalled. Fulham are eyeing replacements for Muniz first and it could also require a club-record fee from Leeds to sign Muniz.
The persistent speculation linking him away has meant Fulham fans are concerned about Muniz’s future at the club. Leeds are not the only interested party, however.
Graham Smyth explains striker situation and Rodrigo Muniz
Graham Smyth has explained Leeds’ view of signing Muniz amid interest from other Champions League clubs. Newcastle United have been linked to Muniz, for example.
Amid Fulham’s firm Muniz stance of not wanting to sell, Smyth spoke via the Inside Elland Road Podcast. He said: “I just think they need quality in the final third. And, it’s not a case of just go and get quality and we’ll try and shoehorn it in; it has to make sense.
“Obviously, it has to fit the plan, has to fit the profile, but there’s a reason why people are starting to get angsty. I think the head loss is a bit much because they did seven deals in 41 days from Lucas Nmecha to Lucas Perri.
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“Yes, it’s gone very quiet since [Igor] Paixao and it’s gone deathly quiet in fact. I think that’s for two reasons. One, they’re exercising patience. I still think they believe there will be a deal to be done for Rodrigo Muniz at Fulham.
“But the window is obviously closing on that and you can’t wait forever. The other thing I think is that I think they’ve possibly plugged their leak and thrown a veil of secrecy over everything again.
“I think they’re being a lot tighter with information. That makes sense to me because these deals, I think, are going to be the hardest ones to do because there is going to be the most competition. Everyone wants a striker.
“I mean, look at what’s happened this summer. You know, Liverpool wanted [Alexander] Isak. They decided to go and get Newcastle’s backup signing, and they still probably want to go and get Isak.
“Then Newcastle want a striker, but Manchester United want a striker. So, it looks like they’re going to get the one that Newcastle wanted. Everyone’s after difference makers in the final third.
“So, any player I think that Leeds go for — that’s a player of any quality — is going to have options and the pond that they seem to be fishing in? A lot of these players have Champions League options.”
Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty ImagesLeeds’ Rodrigo Muniz alternatives
Everton striker Beto is an alternative to Muniz for Leeds but perhaps VfB Stuttgart striker Ermedin Demirovic could be someone Leeds sign instead.
They have to have contingency plans, which is why the pair ought to be on Leeds’ radar. However, there aren’t many players of Muniz’s all-round profile to be a focal point.
Another potential Muniz alternative is Artem Dovbyk, with the AS Roma striker potentially departing after just one season in Italy’s capital.
Leeds are currently set to have Lukas Nmecha or Joel Piroe up front against Everton in nine days, which is why signing a striker is paramount. Patience is required regarding Muniz, it seems.