Leeds United are reportedly targeting Inter Milan and Poland midfielder Piotr Zielinski, who was on target for his country this week.
As the international break takes centre stage this weekend, Leeds aren’t in action and it’s a good chance to take stock.
It’s also the time where agents might be working overtime to put their clients in the shop window. Unsurprisingly, links to Elland Road are cropping up.
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Leeds United linked with move to sign Inter Milan attacking midfielder Piotr Zielinski
A report from InterLive this week claimed that United are keen on signing Inter Milan attacking midfielder Piotr Zielinski.
The Poland international is somewhat out of favour at the San Siro. As a result, he could be looking to move in the January window.
Leeds United are linked with a move to sign Piotr Zielinski from Inter Milan. (REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw)
Given Leeds’ PSR standing, they will enter January either needing a player sale, or will have to negotiate a low-cost loan for the 102-cap international.
Watch: Leeds target Piotr Zielinski scores stunner for Poland against New Zealand
For Zielinski, his focus will be on finding form to not only force his way into Cristian Chivu’s plans at Inter until January. But, he’ll also look to aid Poland’s World Cup qualification hopes.
They sit second in UEFA’s Group G, three points behind leaders Netherlands. As they prepare for a must-win game away at Lithuania, Zielinski scored a stunning winner in a 1-0 friendly win at home to New Zealand.
The midfielder threaded a lovely pass out wide and received the return pass with a cut-back just inside the box. Zielinski then Cruyff-turned onto his left foot, rifling a shot that cannoned off the underside of the crossbar twice before creeping over the line.
New Zealand’s commentary reacted to the goal as it went in:
“It’s a lovely turn, a really good drive and it’s the opening goal,” commentator Nathan Alleyne said. “Sometimes, you have to take your hat off and applaud the quality of a goal. Piotr Zielinski has given Poland the lead with a spectacular drive.”
Would Piotr Zielinski be an ideal signing for Leeds United in the January window?
That sort of quality is sorely missing from the Leeds squad at the edge of the box, from someone who can play as a 10.
Zielinski being so two-footed means that United could get a good tune out of him in a few positions. Also, he’s a creative profile Farke could do with in the final third.
At 31, he might not be a long-term investment. However, if Leeds fancy a loan signing, Zielinski looks like he’s got the quality needed in the final third.
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