Why Leeds missed a trick by not signing David McGoldrick in January

In January, Football Insider (h/t The Star) had claimed that Leeds United were interested in signing Sheffield United striker David McGoldrick. However, a deal didn’t materialise during the winter transfer window and he stayed put at Bramall Lane.

David McGoldrick, 32, played a crucial role in Sheffield United’s promotion to the Premier League last year as he bagged 15 goals and four assists in 45 appearances. He has played 19 Premier League games so far this campaign, providing two assists in the process.

This season has been a difficult one for the Irishman, who has had fierce competition for his starting spot in Chris Wilder’s squad. He is yet to find the back of the net this term as the Blades lie fifth in the table.

Meanwhile, Leeds United have not won in their last three games. They drew 1-1 with Brentford at Griffin Park on Tuesday and it could have been more than just a point for Marcelo Bielsa’s side, but it provides a springboard for a good result on Saturday against Bristol City.

However, the gap between the league leaders and second-placed Leeds has widened to six following West Brom’s victory over Reading on Wednesday. The Whites have struggled to score goals of late, managing only five in their previous eight matches. Patrick Bamford has looked out of sorts, guilty of missing a number of gilt-edged chances in front of goal.

Jean-Kevin Augustin is currently on loan at Elland Road with the Yorkshire side holding an option to make the deal permanent. Regardless of signing Augustin, Bielsa should have also signed an experienced striker in January. And that’s why Leeds missing out on David McGoldrick is proving to be a costly one.

McGoldrick may have not netted a goal in the English top-flight this season but he has a good record in Championship football. Back in 2017/18, he made 18 starts and four substitute appearances in the Championship for Ipswich Town, scoring six goals and providing four assists in the process. He joined Sheffield United in 2018 and helped them achieve promotion by scoring 15 goals.

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The Republic of Ireland striker has bagged 110 goals in 440 appearances in English football. That’s a testament to his goalscoring ability and it could’ve helped revive the Leeds attack. Plus, McGoldrick has volumes of Championship experience and knows what it takes to succeed at that level, having won promotion with the Blades. That could have helped in making a difference at Elland Road.

Verdict

Going by McGoldrick’s experience and numbers in the Championship, he would have been such a smart signing for Leeds. Thus, the Whites have missed a big trick by failing to sign the player last month.