According to Corriere Dello Sport, as cited by Brighton & Hove Independent, Leeds United target, Giovanni Simone has no desire to leave Cagliari. The attacker reportedly wants to continue his spell in Sardinia, stating, “I live in a wonderful place where the sea, the people and the city help you live with great serenity. Here, everything makes you want to stay.”
Simeone is a centre-forward by trade, who has gained a lot of prominence following his successful loan spell at Cagliari last season. He has also scored five goals in seven matches in the campaign, so it could be a massive blow for Leeds United.
What Can Simeone Bring To The Table?
Simeone is primarily known for his feisty nature as he is always willing to take on opponents and making darting runs into the box. He is not afraid to ride challenges while the Argentine is also known for his intelligent movements across the final third.
However, what makes Simeone such a sought-after striker in Italy is his remarkable heading prowess. Although his 180cm frame is a massive disadvantage in aerial duels, the 25-year-old is more than capable of operating as a target-man and feeding off crosses from the wider areas of the pitch. It was prevalent particularly during his time at Fiorentina.
Moreover, Simeone is a hard-working centre-forward, who is always willing to make the extra ground and put pressure on the opposing centre-backs. It has already made him a key asset in Cagliari’s first of line press this season.
Should Leeds United Have Signed Simeone In The Summer?
Leeds United signing Simeone in the summer is unlikely to have caused any impact to their start to the Premier League campaign this season. In fact, it could have been detrimental as the Argentine may have blocked the path for Patrick Bamford, who has already netted seven goals in eight matches.
Although the ex-Chelsea forward has performed badly over the past few matches, one could sense that an experienced Bamford, who is already quite familiar with Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical style, would have performed better than the Cagliari star.
In addition, Simeone’s potential addition may have crippled Leeds United’s financial powers, perhaps forcing them to call off their pursuit of Rodrigo Moreno. The Spaniard, who became the most expensive transfer in the club’s history, has already done a wonderful job and his trickery, technical prowess and ingenuity have added another element to Leeds’ offensive game.
Therefore, the Whites are unlikely to rue missing out on the services of Simeone, although they do desperately require a new attacking midfielder in the upcoming January transfer window.
