Why Leeds United should make an attempt to land Edinson Cavani
While speaking to Sky Sport Italia (h/t Daily Mail), Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani admitted that they were optimistic about setting up a deal for Edinson Cavani.
The 33-year-old Cavani is currently a free agent after he was released by his former club PSG last month. PSG had earlier announced that Cavani would be leaving them at the end of the season after the conclusion of the Champions League. However, his name was not included in subsequent lists of contract extensions.
The Uruguayan striker, thus, ended a seven-year trophy-laden spell with the French giants winning as many as six Ligue 1 titles and many other trophies in the process. A prolific finisher, Cavani has also won the top goal-scorer award three times – twice with PSG and once with his former club Napoli while playing in the Serie A.
Despite his growing age, Cavani still remains one of the key players for his national side and has featured in over 116 matches for them across all competitions.
A 2010-11 Copa America winner, Cavani also has 50 goals under his credit playing for Uruguay. However, the veteran striker did not have the best of seasons this time with PSG as he struggled for game time before the French league decided to conclude the season in April because of Covid-19.
Cavani featured in just 14 league matches for PSG this season but still managed to score four goals and assist twice, proving that age has not diminished his talent.
Cavani can boost the confidence of a side like Leeds United
Meanwhile, Leeds United earned promotion back to the Premier League after a long 16-year wait by winning the Championship under manager Marcelo Bielsa. Owner Radrizzani is determined to make a statement signing for the club to mark their return into the top-flight and has identified Cavani as the potential candidate.
With 341 career goals to his name playing for PSG, Napoli, and Palermo, there is no doubt that Cavani fits into that category. Moreover, Leeds just have one established striker in Patrick Bamford.
Bamford managed just 16 goals from 45 league appearances. The lack of another prolific scorer to support him would hurt the Whites next season when they play in the more challenging Premier League. Apart from Bamford, Leeds just have 22-year-old Jay-Roy Grot, who on the other hand, spent last season on loan with Eredivisie side Vitesse.
That said, the arrival of a star striker like Cavani would be a morale booster for the whole team and help them in the top-flight next season. Thus, Leeds should try their best to land this prolific Uruguayan, who has proved his mettle as one of the top strikers in Europe over the past decade.
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Verdict
Leeds are clearly in need of a consistent goal-scorer if they wish to stay in the Premier League next season and who better than Cavani. Having excelled for both club and country over the last 10 years there is no questioning the veteran striker’s pedigree. Moreover, by signing him Leeds will be making a statement, which in turn, will also boost the side’s confidence.
