Leeds United’s search for a striker this summer has seen them unable to find an agreement for a new high-profile addition, and their solution might lie in the names that many wouldn’t expect to be viable.
When asked about Joel Piroe’s best role in the Leeds lineup back in winter 2023, Daniel Farke boldly said “when it comes down to strikers, I know my business,” and was perhaps vindicated when the Dutchman’s 19 goals last season helped the side to 100 points along with his personal golden boot accolade.
While Piroe himself might be usurped as Leeds’ guaranteed starter in the Premier League, there is proof in Farke’s career that he’s capable of getting better performance levels out of strikers than other managers might – Teemu Pukki and Marcus Thuram are two individuals that would testify in the German’s favour.
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What type of striker do Leeds United need this month?
Lukas Nmecha and Piroe are the two names that Leeds have to use going into next week’s clash with Everton, obviously leaving a gap for a more notable name.
The profile of Leeds’ striker target is pretty clear too, and the name you have to look at as an example is Fulham’s Rodrigo Muniz, the club’s priority target.
(REUTERS/Isabel Infantes)
Whether or not the Brazilian is attainable is another debate, but his skillset as a lone striker is just what Leeds need as a side fighting for survival: confidence to pin and hassle centre-backs on his own, great aerial prowess, strong command of the ball both in the air and on the deck, pace to stretch in behind and out wide, and the ability to take shots often and early.
It’s a lot to ask, and a player with that all-round package will come at a significant cost, but it’s the position Leeds can’t afford to half-heartedly address, if United intend to stay up, they need an accomplished individual leading the line.
Would Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund be worthwhile for Leeds United to pursue?
Muniz’s quality and reputation at Craven Cottage makes him a hard target to nail down, and should already have prompted Leeds to have alternatives drawn up at Elland Road.
Looking at other Premier League strikers that could be available, there aren’t many that are a) in Leeds’ price range, and b) worthwhile signings.
Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund has been noted online by some supporters as someone that the club might have to consider as a fall-back option (I stress *no actual link to the player* as of this evening), and it’s fair to say his stock is at an all time low since his £64million move from Atalanta, and many would justifiably turn their nose up at the Dane being Leeds’ answer up front – funding that club by signing of one of their cast-offs is enough to put Leeds fans off, in fairness.
(REUTERS/Peter Powell)
His four goals, zero assists, and -1.3xG underperformance in the 24/25 campaign depict a striker that isn’t exactly coming into the new campaign in red hot form and ready to hit the ground running wherever he plays, ripped to shreds online by the neutrals every time he does anything on a football pitch.
But not long ago, he was touted as one of the brightest striking talents in Europe at Atalanta, a club whose recruitment has been top notch for years, clearly seeing a lot of potential in Hojlund that has yet to materialise in England:
His numbers above are night and day in terms of the quality he offers on the ball, which might highlight the jump in quality to the Premier League from the Serie A, but also suggests his strengths haven’t been platformed at Old Trafford.
There was so much to like about his time in the Serie A and what he brought to the table as a physically imposing and powerful forward, but for whatever reason, he’s one of the most notable big-money signings that has been subject to a Space Jam-style loss of ability at Old Trafford.
A move back to Italy seems most likely right now, but if the Dane is comfortable swallowing his pride, a restoration project at Elland Road might actually be something that could benefit both parties.
He’d be more often playing in transition under Farke, a manager who (as noted above) has a great record in getting results from his strikers, and would get support from a dynamic and well-balanced midfield, something he doesn’t have at Man United, as much investment as their squad has had.
Again, it must be stressed that this is one almighty “hear me out”, and it goes without saying that a signing of close-to-guaranteed success would be much preferred than Hojlund, but there’s evidence in the 22-year-old’s development at Atalanta to suggest he’d be a worthwhile player to at least consider at the right price.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!