According to SportBild, as cited by Leeds Live, Nicolas Gonzalez could be available for €20 million in January. The VfB Stuttgart striker has had an unfortunate start to the Bundesliga campaign, so the German outfit are open to cashing in on him, in an attempt to balance the budget amid Coronavirus crisis.
Leeds United, who were among clubs eyeing a move for Gonzalez in the summer, could be among clubs on red alert following this interesting update. But, should the Whites really go after him in January?
Nicolas Gonzalez’s Unfortunate Season At Stuttgart
Gonzalez was one of VfB Stuttgart’s best performers in 2.Bundesliga last season, with his 14 goals helping the club gain promotion back to the top flight. So needless to say, the striker headed into the new campaign as one of the players worth keeping an eye on.
Unfortunately for him, though, Gonzalez’s progress at Stuttgart was stifled by a muscle injury at the start of the campaign. His absence in the team allowed coach Pellegrino Matarazzo to give young Sasa Kalajdzic the opportunity to shine at the highest level of football.
The 23-year-old didn’t disappoint either, having been involved in five goals in the opening seven matches. His towering 2m figure has made him quite an intimidating figure for the opposing defences, which has been complemented by Stuttgart’s excellent creative department led by Daniel Didavi.
As a result, Gonzalez has found it difficult to re-establish himself as a key outlet in the VfB attack, despite returning from injury almost a month ago. He has featured in every game since, but only one of those appearances were from the start.
Is Gonzalez A Viable Target For Leeds United?
Leeds United seem to have already found a good attacking combination in the shape of Rodrigo Moreno and Patrick Bamford. The two attackers have fared well alongside each other, with the Spaniard operating in a slightly deeper role.
Although Rodrigo’s absence in the past couple of matches, combined with Bamford’s lack of form has led to a rough patch, the Whites have more than enough firepower in the offensive unit. Gonzalez, therefore, should not be the club’s priority at the moment.
The Argentine, with all his aggression, work-ethic and scoring prowess, could have been an excellent fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical setup. But, the Yorkshire outfit should be more desperate for reinforcements in the midfield department.
Former Aston Villa player Gabby Agbonlahor has already urged Leeds United to scour the market for a viable alternative for Kalvin Phillips recently, which should indeed be the club’s priority when the transfer window reopens in January.
