According to the latest reports from Football Italia as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Lazio’s Ecuadorian striker Felipe Caicedo has signed a new deal with the club which ends any speculation about his future. The forward was linked with a move to Leeds United earlier this summer, but nothing materialised. In fact, Caicedo’s name has been linked with the Whites numerous times in the past year.
The forward had played in England before as he was with Manchester City from 2008-2011. He never really managed to make his name at the club, and Caicedo only scored four goals for them in his three-year stint. His spell with the Citizens also involved three different loan spells with other clubs.
The 31-year-old has so far managed one goal in five appearances this season for Lazio. In previous campaign, the big forward netted nine goals and created six assists in 38 appearances across all competitions.
Does Leeds United need a striker?
The Whites’ problem of finishing of moves has persisted this season as well. Patrick Bamford does a lot of things right on the pitch, but when it comes to taking crucial chances in front of the opposition goal, he has been dismal so far. United also have Tyler Roberts who can lead the line along with on-loan summer arrival Eddie Nketiah.
However, all three are a bit similar in style, and someone like Caicedo could have added a different dimension to the United lineup. The Ecuadorian can play as a classic targetman as he can hold up play well. United have been guilty of not having a plan B when things don’t go right for them. With Caicedo at the club, maybe they could have tried a different approach.
A big miss for the Whites?
Not really as Caicedo hasn’t been a too prolific scorer in his career. Moreover, he is already 31, so his age might have also acted as a deterrent. Bielsa seems to be happy to have strikers that like to make runs between the channels and stretch play from time to time. However, we think that the club could benefit from recruiting a commanding centre forward.
Caicedo could have been an option, but given the other factors, he isn’t a too significant of a loss for the Whites now that he has signed a new contract with Lazio. However, the club should look to add a new target man in January to bolster their options up top. He would offer something different up top as Bielsa’s current approach can sometimes be too predictable.
