German media outlet Bild is reporting that Leeds United are interested in signing Hoffenheim winger Steven Zuber. Zuber happens to be a Swiss international and has played an essential part in Hoffenheim’s rise in German football. However, this season he has fallen down the pecking order under the regime of Julian Nagelsmann as he has started just six games in the Bundesliga.
However, he has still played 13 games in all competitions, and we believe this is the most famous name Leeds have been linked with in a while. The left winger is in the last 18 months of his contract and his current situation might give the Whites a chance to lure him.
Zuber’s greatest asset is his versatility and Nagelsmann has often used him in various positions on the pitch. Predominantly a left winger, he can play in a more central role as well as an attacking midfielder and maybe the Whites are eyeing him as a replacement for Samuel Saiz. However, as a winger too, the Swiss international won’t be a bad option to have as Bielsa only has Ezgjan Alioski to fill in that role.
Lack of squad depth probably cost the Whites in the last few games as Bielsa wasn’t able to rotate his players in the festive period because of significant injuries to the squad. They definitely looked out of steam, and the manager should look to add some reinforcements to the team.
However, the Argentine gaffer has constantly played down (Leeds Live) any major activity happening in the transfer window. It will be a real shame if this comes back to haunt the Whites later on in the season as they look really good at the moment to move to the Premier League through the direct promotion spots.
Zuber can be a perfect ‘Bielsa type’ of player as he is industrious in nature and on the ball he has that creative side to his game as well. He has that odd spectacular goal in his locker too and to top it all; his ability to play in various positions should be a delight for any manager.
However, we are quite sure that the 27-year-old is not going to come in cheap. At Hoffenheim, he is a part of a Champions League pedigree side, and the player might think moving to the Championship would be a step down in his career. Given his quality, he can easily be a regular starter for a mid-table Bundesliga or even a Premier League club.
So we think it would be tough to lure him to the Championship at the moment. Nevertheless, the Whites should test Hoffenheim’s resolve and a chance to play in the Premier League next season might attract Zuber.
