According to the latest reports from the Daily Mail, Leeds United are in the running to sign Austrian striker Sasa Kalajdzic. The 21-year-old currently plies his trade in the Austrian top division for Admira Wacker. Kalajdzic is also wanted by the likes of Crystal Palace and Brighton and Hove Albion. Clubs like Red Bull Salzburg, Espanyol, Nice and Genk are said to be monitoring the situation of the 6’5” striker.
In 12 appearances in all competitions this season, Kalajdzic has managed six goals and three assists. He has represented Austria’s u-21 side and is now seen as a future international for his country. The striker is in red hot form right now as he has scored five goals in his last five appearances.
With top-flight clubs like Crystal Palace and Brighton in the mix, Leeds United will need to achieve promotion to get their hands on this young talent. The Whites’ impressive start to the season has worn off, and they will have to get the promotion the hard way now by winning the playoffs after their latest defeat to Brentford.
Marcelo Bielsa splashed big money on Patrick Bamford in the summer, and the English forward has been decent in front of goal. However, the Whites have been guilty of missing far too many chances in the attacking third, and that has probably cost them a chance to win promotion through the automatic spots.
Missing out on promotion this season could spell huge trouble to the club as Marcelo Bielsa could be snapped up by top-flight clubs after the work which he has done at Elland Road. It will be interesting to see now whether he would be able to pick his team up after the latest disappointments.
What can the striker bring at Elland Road and their chances of signing him?
Kalajdzic is also known for his link-up play even though he is a powerhouse of a striker. The forward can use his physical presence well and involve his team-mates by holding up the ball. The big man has even played as an attacking midfielder in his short career so his versatility would come in handy at Elland Road.
At the moment, United’s all transfer plans could be on hold as it is yet not clear which division they might end up playing in the next season. Therefore their rivals might be able to use this time to secure a deal for him. Kalajdzic is young and still an unproven quantity so signing him could be a risk. But the fact that top-flight clubs are interested in him suggests that he can turn out to be a decent buy. Without Premier League football, we don’t see the Whites getting their man.
