Leeds United Opinion: Why the Whites must make a move for Tony Villa?

Back in January, Spanish outlet Pucela Fichajes claimed Leeds United were interested in signing Real Valladolid star Toni Villa in the winter transfer window.

Toni Villa, 24, has enjoyed a good season with Real Valladolid in the La Liga, scoring two goals and assisting as many in 22 games. He played a starring role in helping Valladolid win promotion to La Liga last season and his performances in the Spanish top-flight haven’t gone unnoticed.

The report adds Valladolid would have only allowed their playmaker’s sale in January had Leeds United paid the £10.5m buyout clause. Villa is contracted at Valladolid until 2021, so one can understand why Valladolid were under no pressure to sell one of their prized assets.

But come summer, Marcelo Bielsa should reignite his interest in the Spanish playmaker and sign him to bolster his attacking ranks.

Leeds were hit with a blow when Samu Saiz decided to return back to Spain in the January transfer window. The Spanish attacking midfielder wanted to return to Spain and so he joined Getafe on an initial loan deal, which will be made permanent at the end of the season. But Bielsa failed to bring in a player to replace the diminutive Saiz then but when the transfer window re-opens, he must surely get one.

Toni Villa could be an ideal replacement for Saiz, if the Whites can finance a move for the attacker in the summer. Villa has been regular for his side this season as he has managed 22 appearances in La Liga contributing with two goals and two assists. The attacking midfielder has been predominantly used as a left winger this season, although he is also adept playing through the middle.

A technically-gifted player, the 24-year-old knows exactly how to create space for himself with his invention, flair and his excellent body balance. His diminutive frame allows him to twist and turn without much fuss and get past players in one blink of an eye. Villa has a fantastic first touch and ability to pick the right pass in the final third.

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He is a player who has a bagful of tricks and can open up defences with his vision and creative passing. Furthermore, Villa works really hard work for his team and has a good eye for goal from outside the box.

Verdict

Leeds are gunning for promotion but they have a very thin squad that’ll need strengthening in the summer. They can definitely do with a player like Villa, who could be the magical creative player that Bielsa might need next season.