According to The Telegraph, Leeds United have expressed interest in Michy Batshuayi. The Whites are ready to offer the Chelsea forward a lifeline by bringing him to Elland Road in a permanent deal. Batshuayi has worked with Marcelo Bielsa before and regards the Argentine tactician very highly.
Michy Batshuayi’s Struggles At Chelsea
Michy Batshuayi had been a part of the Chelsea side way back in 2016, but the forward played only two full seasons at Stamford Bridge. During his five year spell in West London, he has had to spend four loan spells, twice in Crystal Palace and one each at Borussia Dortmund and Valencia.
Though the Belgian did find resounding success at Dortmund, he simply hasn’t got going in any of the other clubs, including Chelsea. Batshuayi even saw him trail Christian Benteke and Jordan Ayew in the pecking order at Crystal Palace this past season.
Although the 27-year-old has been selected in the Belgium squad in the Euro, it is unlikely that he will get many opportunities ahead of Romelu Lukaku and Dries Mertens. Even Benteke might be favoured due to his aerial and physical prowess.
Batshuayi, nonetheless, is a quality centre forward. He has a lot of experience at the highest level of football and is known for his ability to sniff goalscoring opportunities. His fortunes might even change should any club manage to promise him a regular run of game-time.
Is Leeds United A Good Option For Batshuayi?
It is hardly surprising why Leeds United are keen on the services of a new centre-forward this summer. The Whites appeared over-reliant on the services of Patrick Bamford this past season. They were even lucky that the forward did not pick up any major injury.
Additionally, Rodrigo Moreno is facing an uncertain future at the club, leaving Marcelo Bielsa devoid of a proper alternative for Bamford next season. That is where Michy Batshuayi comes into the fray.
It was under Bielsa, the Belgian made his European breakthrough during their time together at Marseille. He scored nine goals in the 2014/15 campaign, with the Argentine tactician knowing the player very well.
Batshuayi’s experience at the top level could also make him an ideal addition to a Leeds United setup that does lack seasoned footballers. A lot, however, could depend on Chelsea’s valuation of the forward, as anything over the €20 million mark will be too expensive for a player who has had a steady decline over the past few years.
