We are halfway through in the January transfer window, and Leeds United are still looking for a new striker to come in. They have been linked with few names so far, but they are no closer to getting any of them.
Eddie Nketiah’s departure was being anticipated for quite some time, so Leeds United should have been prepared for a situation like this. Recently Phil Hay of the Athletic gave a damning update about Leeds United’s interest in three strikers. Hay talked about the status of Che Adams, Billy Sharp and Matej Vydra.
don't think Bielsa is keen on Sharp. Not his type of centre forward. Can't see them ever going back to Vydra after what happened first time, although football can be funny like that. Hasenhuttl doesn't look like he's budging on Adams.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) January 15, 2020
Things looking bleak with Adams
Che Adams has emerged as the primary focus for the Whites this season, but Hay revealed that Southampton boss Hasenhüttl is not likely to relent. Danny Ings has been in terrific form this season, but it cannot be ignored that he has been injury-prone throughout his career. So maybe that is why Hasenhüttl wants to keep hold of Adams.
The Southampton boss talked about Adams’ transfer speculation and said (Sky Sports), ‘’ I wouldn’t consider loaning him out. I need every player, especially in an attacking position as we don’t have many.”
As things stand, Adams seems like a no go.
As for Billy Sharp, it seems like Bielsa is not to keen on him because of his quality. The striker hasn’t played much this season, and he is on a downward trajectory. Moreover, Sharp doesn’t seem to be keen to leave the Blades this season even though he is on the fringes of the squad.
What now for Bielsa?
We believe that if Leeds United are unable to get Adams, then Sharp wouldn’t be a bad option as he is an experienced candidate. He might not be as dynamic as the other option, but the Sheffield man is a natural in front of goal, and sometimes Leeds lack an out and out scorer in their team.
Matej Vydra would undoubtedly be a surprising pick at this stage of the season. Hay revealed that his transfer is also unlikely to happen. Leeds had been interested in him in the past year and even in November last year reports came out that the striker would move to Elland Road for £7m. Those reports turned out to be untrue in the end. Vydra has struggled for game time at Burnley so far this season, and it wouldn’t be a bad ploy to target him this month. However, the striker had snubbed the Whites before in favour of a move to the Clarets.
As mentioned, Leeds United doesn’t seem to be closer to replacing Nketiah yet. With just two weeks remaining in the transfer window, the Whites would need to find a solution soon.
