Leeds United might be sitting on the top of the table in the Championship, but it cannot be denied that they would need to strengthen the squad in various areas if they get to the English top flight. With Coronavirus halting football across Europe for now, all that the Leeds faithful can do is wait and hope for the best.
Former Leeds United striker Noel Whelan meanwhile suggested Leeds United sign Aleksandar Mitrovic in the summer. The Serbian striker is currently the top scorer in the Championship, and he has kept Fulham in the hunt for the direct promotion spots as well.
Whelan urges Leeds to sign Fulham striker
Whelan, speaking to Football Insider said, “I would be looking at Mitrovic. He has got the fight and the scoring ability and capability of being a difference. Someone who is a handful, someone a bit bigger and stronger. He is better from wide areas, and that is where the majority of our play comes from. I think Mitrovic would be one that Leeds will be looking at.”
“They paid £27million for him and for £35million it would be a good capture. He is a proven goalscorer, can hold the ball up and he would love the number of crosses we put in the box.”
Should Bielsa take Whelan’s advice?
It cannot be denied that Mitrovic is a proven goal scorer in English football. He has 23 goals to his name in the Championship this campaign. The striker was one of the lone standout players for Fulham last season when they were in the Premier League. Without much support, Mitrovic bagged 11 goals and three assists in the top flight when the London side went down in the 2018-19 season.
The Serbian has a decent amount of Premier League experience while playing for the likes of Newcastle United and Fulham. Hence, Mitrovic is definitely worth considering in the upcoming summer. However, we believe that a chance to sign him would only occur if the Cottagers miss out on promotion and Leeds United make it to the top flight. If Fulham too goes up, then it wouldn’t make much sense from Mitrovic’s point of view to switch clubs.
Patrick Bamford would surely not be good enough to lead the line regularly in the Premier League, and the Whites should be on the lookout for a proven player. Mitrovic might have to slightly improve on his overall work-rate though to fit in Bielsa’s plans. Nevertheless, he still shows a decent work ethic. Apart from that, he has everything to his game which a striker would need. Given that he is 25 and in his prime, the £35m price tag seems to be justified for him.
