Why Leeds United should take a gamble on Raul de Tomas
According to AS (h/t The Express), Leeds United are considering a move for Espanyol forward Raul de Tomas ahead of next season.
De Tomas, 25, rose through the ranks of Real Madrid’s youth system but couldn’t break into the club’s senior set-up. He was sent on loan to Real Valladolid and Rayo Vallecano, and he excelled with the latter, scoring 38 goals in 66 appearances before his move was made permanent in August 2018.
After excelling in La Liga last season, he made a move to Benfica last summer but returned to Spain with Espanyol.
However, he couldn’t help his side from relegation, and the report suggests that striker could be available on a cut-price deal. He has already shown his potentials in La Liga and could be a better player with a different setup. Thus, Leeds should make a move for him this summer.
After spending several years in the second-tier mid-table, the Whites have been brilliant in the last two seasons. Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take them to the Premier League after they finished as the winners in the Championship.
Now that they are in the top-flight, the manager should build a team that is capable of prolonging in the top flight. And, for that to happen, Bielsa should bring in reinforcements and add depth to key areas.
De Tomas could provide depth to Leeds’ attacking unit
One key area which needs to be strengthened is the centre-forward position. Former Chelsea man Patrick Bamford has been their lone striker for the majority of the campaign after Eddie Nketiah returned to Arsenal when his loan spell was cut short. Bamford, who scored 16 goals, also hasn’t been clinical on several occasions.
Tyler Roberts has mainly been used in the attacking midfield role, leaving them with just Bamford up front. And with just one striker, Leeds could face problems in the Premier League if they aren’t well equipped. Thus, adding another centre-forward would do them good.
In that regard, Espanyol’s De Tomas would be a viable option for the club. The former Spanish U19 international may not have been at his best this season but he managed to score 14 goals in La Liga last term with Vallecano. Thus, Leeds should take a chance on him. The manager should be patient with him and give him the right opportunities to develop himself.
His inclusion would definitely bring healthy competition to Bamford and this could help the team in return. And he would also provide them with some much-needed depth up front. He has the ability to succeed and if he is able to replicate the same form he showed last season, he could be a crucial player for Leeds.
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Verdict
With just Bamford available to lead the line, Leeds need to bring in reinforcements and add depth to their attacking unit. And De Tomas is also capable of leading the attack. Thus, they should manage to lure the former Madrid man to Elland Road in a cut-price deal.
