According to Italian media outlet Imperio, 30-year-old Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo is attracting interest from Leeds United. The Lazio striker was linked with the Whites last summer as well, but nothing materialised then. The latest report mentions that the negotiations between Caicedo and Leeds United can take place in the coming days.
Caicedo’s previous stint in England
The striker has the experience of playing in England as he was with Manchester City from 2008-2011. He never really managed to establish himself at the club, and Caicedo only managed four goals for them in his three-year stint which also involved three different loan spells with other clubs as well. He went on to join Lokomotiv Moscow in the summer of 2011.
The 30-year-old made 38 appearances for his side in all competitions last season and contributed with nine goals and six assists.
Does Leeds United need a striker?
The club spent big money last summer to bring in Patrick Bamford from Middlesbrough. However, the Englishman had an underwhelming first season at Elland Road. Kemar Roofe was Bielsa’s go-to man up front, and he did well when he was available. Tyler Roberts is the third option to start up front. The youngster gained some valuable experience last season and did well in patches.
However, none of the strikers really showed that they could score 20-25 odd goals a season. So there is still room for that one game-changing striker in this team.
Can Caicedo be that man for Leeds United?
Caicedo’s hasn’t had many prolific seasons in his career so far. We believe he can act like a player who could bring something different at Elland Road. The striker is known for imposing strength, and his physicality can cause the opponent defenders a lot of problems. However, we think that he would find it hard to fit into Bielsa’s philosophy.
The Whites depend heavily on sharp movements in the attacking third and pressing from the top. We don’t see Caicedo doing all that effectively for the Whites. Moreover, his finishing is also questionable. He is already 30 and will cost a few million in the transfer market.
We just don’t see Bielsa going for a player like Caicedo who has been underwhelming in his career so far. Some might feel that the fact that he is coming from a top half Serie A club like Lazio means that he can make an impact in the English second division. However, we think that bringing in the forward would be a big gamble.
