Why Leeds United must land in-form striker Nicolas Gonzalez
According to German outlet Kicker (h/t Daily Express), Leeds United have set their sights on Nicolas Gonzalez of German side Stuttgart.
The 22-year-old striker has had a stellar season in front of goal in the German second division and has been instrumental in helping them secure an immediate return to the Bundesliga next season.
Gonzalez has netted in an impressive 14 goals from his 27 league matches in just his second season with Stuttgart following his move from Argentinos Juniors back in 2018. Having proved himself at such a short duration, there is no doubt Gonzalez is a proven goal-scorer and it is not a big surprise Leeds are interested in him.
Gonzalez can offer Leeds United more strength in their attack
Meanwhile, Leeds under new boss Marcelo Bielsa has earned promotion to the Premier League after emerging as Championship winners this season.
However, it would not be an easy task for Bielsa and his side to the secure £18m-rated striker’s signature with Italian giants AC Milan, Inter Milan, Roma and Lazio all waiting in the queue. Leeds, on the other hand, have banged in a total of 77 goals from their 46 Championship outings, most of which have come from the boots of Patrick Bamford.
However, he has managed just 16 despite playing in all of their league games except one and that would not be enough when they feature in the more physically demanding Premier League next season.
Also, apart from Bamford, Leeds just have young striker Jay-Roy Grot as a back-up but the youngster is not Bielsa’s favourite, having spent last season on loan with Eredivisie side Vitesse Arnhem.
Moreover, his time in Holland was not an entirely successful one, with him scoring just two goals despite making 22 league appearances. With Grot yet to prove his potential at the highest level, Leeds’ interest in the in-form Gonzalez makes complete sense.
Hence, Leeds should continue their pursuit of the Argentine finisher and land him at Elland Road if they wish to stay in the top-flight next season.
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Verdict
It is evident that Leeds lack depth in their striking department and Gonzalez’s arrival will only add strength to their squad next season. Also, he is just 22 and can go on to become the man to lead their attack under the guidance of a coach like Bielsa.
