Latest reports from Algerian media outlet Le Buteur suggests that Leeds United are set to revisit their summer target Baghdad Bounedjah and would try to prise away the in form Algerian striker in January. The forward currently plies his trade in the Qatar League for Al Sadd SC and has been in tremendous goalscoring form for quite some time now. The 26-year-old forward has managed a whopping 26 goals in 13 games (Yes, not the other way round) and now Marcelo Bielsa is considering a move for him again.
In the summer, reports (L’expression) came out that the Qatari side were demanding £13.25m for their Algerian striker and it was believed that such an exorbitant price put United off. Latest reports add that it is expected that the West Yorkshire outfit would come in with an improved offer for the forward in January.
One can Understand why the Whites didn’t go through with this move as Bounedjah is still untested in English football. Instead, Bielsa brought in Patrick Bamford for £7m (Sky Sports) who has been a one-time Championship player of the season winner.
Bounedjah’s goalscoring record might be out of this world as he is averaging two goals a game, but we aren’t too sure about the quality of the league where the striker is currently plying his trade in. Paying over £10m for a forward who hasn’t been tested in England or anywhere in Europe before doesn’t make sense and we don’t see the Whites going through with this move.
Bielsa had already indicated (Leeds Live) that he won’t do much business in the January transfer market. However, we believe that they should definitely look to add some cover in the defensive areas. In the strike positions, they have the likes of Patrick Bamford, Kemar Roofe and Tyler Roberts.
Bamford missed the last few months with injury, but he is already back in training and could be available in the next few games. Wales international Tyler Roberts led the line in the month when both Roofe and Bamford were unavailable, and he did go on to show some promising signs.
Bounedjah is putting in some dominating performance, and maybe a move to a European club doesn’t seem too far off. However, United don’t have the luxury of experimenting and bringing in a £10m plus dud signing. Maybe once he moves to Europe and continues with similar or even half as good as his current numbers, the Whites can consider making a move for him. For now, they should stick with the current options they have at their disposal.
