According to Record, as cited by Leeds Live, Leeds United are keen on signing Jose Campana. The Levante midfielder has emerged as the latest target for the newly-promoted Premier League club, who are desperate to add some quality into their ranks. The Whites are even willing to pay Campana’s reported £27 million release clause, but face stiff competition from a host of other clubs across Europe, including Wolves and Arsenal.
Jose Campana’s rise to prominence
Campana initially joined Levante back in 2016, in a €500,000 move from Sampdoria. Since then, he has become an ever-present figure in the midfield unit of the Spanish side, having made 157 competitive appearances. His contributions in the debut campaign were, in fact, key in helping Levante gain promotion to the top-flight.
This season, Campana has made 37 league appearances for the Granotas, taking part in nine goals. It was a pretty impressive tally for a central midfielder and was important as Levante achieved a respectable mid-table finish.
Campana’s contributions weren’t just restricted to his productivity either as the 27-year-old has also offered defensive support in the middle of the park. He notably attempted 2.1 tackles while making 1.2 interceptions per game this past season.
However, it is his ability to carry the ball that has caught the attention of clubs across Europe, with the Levante star averaging 1.7 successful dribbles per game. Indeed, Campana is primarily known for his technical qualities. As one would expect from any Spanish midfielder, he can effortlessly thread long balls into the final third, making him a well-rounded number eight.
How can Campana fit in at Leeds United?
Campana will be an interesting option for Leeds United. There is no secret that the Whites are looking for a creative midfielder, especially with Pablo Hernandez nearing the final stage of his career. Even the likes of Jamie Shackleton and Mateusz Klich lack experience at the highest level of football.
Campana, in that regard, should be an excellent option in the number eight or a false ten role. His creativity, combined with his ability to read the game, should bode well for Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical setup.
Not to mention, it could offer the Argentine mastermind with a reliable alternative to first-team stars like Hernandez and Klich. Given the fact that Campana has already featured in almost 130 matches in the Spanish top flight, his experience could be valuable in an otherwise young Leeds setup, making the Spaniard an ideal fit for the newly-promoted Premier League outfit this summer.
However, there might be question marks over his £27 million release clause, which is rather expensive at a time when European footballing clubs are licking their wounds after the economic crisis caused by the Coronavirus.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
