While the abrupt suspension of the game is delaying Leeds United’s long-awaited promotion to the top tier of English football, the Whites must start working behind the scenes to strengthen themselves for the upcoming term. They need significant strengthening to earn stability in the Premier League, and the task will be more onerous for Marcelo Bielsa despite his immense efforts since being appointed as the Elland Road manager.
Many names are making the headlines already over a potential summer move to West Yorkshire. Still, the former Leeds United custodian Paul Robinson has suggested one which is quite exciting as well as achievable considering the current status. Norwich City are likely to go down despite being majestic at times under Daniel Farke, but the party might not be over just yet for Teemu Pukki who has already earned cult status for his free-scoring football.
“Pukki would be an outstanding signing for Leeds. His predatory instincts around the box, his work-rate is second to none, you see that at Norwich. He’s developed as a player in the last two seasons. I just think the way Bielsa plays with that lone striker upfront, he’d fit in perfectly, his work rate would work brilliantly with the way Bielsa plays and what he demands from his players.”
Robinson told MOT Leeds News (as reported by the Leeds Live) highlighting the Whites’ crisis in front of goal notwithstanding their league position.
Answer To Leeds United’s Scoring Drought?
Pukki, meanwhile, witnessed a dip in form lately after a blistering start to life in the Premier League circuit. Yet he has found the net 11 times in 28 league outings and fired in 10 goals in the UEFA Euro 2020 qualifiers guiding Finland to qualify to the first major tournament in the nation’s history.
Leeds currently have Patrick Bamford as their preferred ‘number 9’ who has scored 13 goals in 36 league appearances before the lockdown amid global health concerns. Tyler Roberts, too, has been impressive as a versatile option, but they need more depth as well as quality upfront to avoid relegation.
Bielsa prefers those who are flexible and hold high work ethics – something the players have developed in their game over the course of the past couple of years. Pukki, although an outright centre-forward, is lauded for his ability to play smart one-twos, link up from the deep before finding the net with his sheer composure. He would fit in the Argentine’s system and a move, therefore, should be considered once the season finds its conclusion.
