According to The Sun’s Alan Nixon, Leeds United are eyeing a summer swoop for Lyon star Maxwel Cornet to resolve their left-back problem. But they have to spend a fee in the region of £20m for the Ivorian who has appeared more than 250 times already for the French heavyweights.
Leeds. Looking into price if Maxwel Cornet at Lyon. French club want 20m or so. Top talent.
— Alan Nixon (@reluctantnicko) June 13, 2021
The 24-year-old holds all the traits of a modern-day fullback as his blistering pace and marauding runs would help him attune to ‘Bielsa ball’. He is strong in the air, makes timely recoveries to perform his defensive duties, and also looks equally effective while featuring as a wingback or left midfielder. 4 goals and 6 assists in 39 outings depict his influence in the attacking third and Leeds should look to reap the benefits of that [stats via Transfermarket].
Leeds roped in Barry Douglas back in 2018 following an impressive campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, he failed to earn a regular role under the veteran Argentine due to form and fitness concerns and was eventually loaned out to Blackburn Rovers last summer after securing the long-awaited Premier League promotion. Bielsa banked on Stuart Dallas or Ezgjan Alioski as a makeshift left fullback and the outcast Scotsman has now been released upon the expiration of his Elland Road contract.
Why Leeds Should Secure The Services Of Cornet
Leeds, meanwhile, are closing in on SD Huesca’s Javi Galan. The Spaniard is tipped to be a replacement for Alioski who is set for a summer exit and the minuscule £3.5m asking fee (after Huesca’s relegation from La Liga) might prove to be yet another shrewd piece of business by Victor Orta. Young Leif Davis is not yet ready to play week in week out and Galan, the second most successful dribbler last season behind Lionel Messi, should secure a starting status in West Yorkshire.
Nevertheless, they should still go for the Ivory Coast international who offers flexibility while switching the setup. Bielsa is known for his unconventional brand of football and a player of Cornet’s caliber would find a place in various slots similar to what Dallas has offered in the recent past.
The Whites, however, are also eyeing a swoop for Dutch youngster Noa Lang. The winger, too, prefers to operate from the left, whereas the management is already working on tying Jack Harrison down on permanent terms after three successive loan spells. Having said that, Leeds must step up the chase for Maxwel Cornet to inject quality and increase squad depth.
