Leeds United might have consolidated their stature as a firm contender for grabbing a play-off spot in the Championship in what has been a fruitful season for them, there is little to no doubt to the perception that their squad would need some quality additions in the summer. Having accumulated 72 points from 41 league outings, the Whites are currently placed 5th in the league table and are 5 points ahead of seventh placed Fulham after a 3-0 win over Preston North End last weekend.
While their chances of promotion shall be decided only at the end of the season, the West Yorkshire based club need to be taking proactive measures to assess their targets of the summer transfer window and one of the players they are reportedly keen to land at Elland Road is VfB Stuttgart’s attacking midfielder Alexandru Maxim. The 26-year-old has been publicly criticised by manager Hannes Wolf and he might be tempted for a move away from the Mercedes-Benz Arena.
On many occasions, we have witnessed Leeds United lacking creativity in the final third, which has dented their credentials more often than not. With the likelihood of acquiring the services of Maxim, they could possibly eradicate their loopholes of stagnancy in creating chances up front and assemble themselves into a much better attacking unit, owing to the calibre the Romanian international has on offer. In 19 Bundesliga II appearances (10 of which have been as substitutions), he has bagged 2 goals and registered 5 assists so far, though he was touted for statistics much better than these.
Despite being overlooked this season, Maxim has still plied his trade meticulously, with 2 key passes and 1.2 crosses per game on an average with a pass accuracy of 79.4%. His work-rate in the final third is exemplary as he holds the ball well, can play in a variety of slots, puts in venomous crosses into the box and brings his fellow midfielders into the equation to rattle the opposition. Further, he has an excellent eye for goals: something which the Peacocks would really cherish if the deal does materialise.
Promotion for Stuttgart looks imminent and considering the fact that he has fallen out with the German outfit’s gaffer, Maxim might be struck off the books at the end of the season. While Garry Monk’s contract extension at Leeds United hangs in the balance, should the Championship outfit go all-out to lure the former Pandurii Targu Jiu midfielder, they would indeed be striking gold.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
