As reported by Goal, Leeds United face a massive blow in pursuit of Lucas Ocampos. The winger was reportedly courted by both Leeds and Liverpool following his breakthrough in La Liga, but it appears the attacker prefers a prolonged stay in Spain.
“I always say the same thing. I’m focusing on the present and I don’t look further ahead of the things that I cannot control.
I love this city and what has happened in the past two years. I hope it continues. I’m very happy here and I’m not thinking of playing anywhere else than here.”, Ocampos told Canal Sur Radio during an interview.
Who Is Lucas Ocampos?
Lucas Ocampos has been a major success in Spain, following his €15 million move to Sevilla in 2019. The winger enjoyed an excellent debut campaign in La Liga last season, netting 14 goals while providing three assists in 33 matches. He was also integral in Sevilla’s route to winning the Europa League, notably scoring the winner against Wolves in the quarter-finals.
Ocampos may have not hit the heights of last season this term, with just four goals and four assists, but his overall contributions to the final third has been far greater.
Indeed, the Argentine has offered the spark in Sevilla attack with his dynamism and ability to take on defenders. He has notably averaged over two successful dribbles per game along with 1.9 shots on goal. His pace and link-up have also been critical in helping Julen Lopetegui’s men assemble a deadly counter-attacking side that is currently competing for the top four places in La Liga this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
Will Leeds United Rue Missing Out On Ocampos?
Lucas Ocampos, in many ways, resemble the style of Raphinha in regards to his characteristics going forward. He relies heavily on his dynamism and could be deadly on the counter. The 26-year-old is quite aggressive as well, with a compulsion to win back possession for his side.
It should have made him an ideal fit for Marcelo Bielsa’s footballing philosophy, although it is fair to point out that Ocampos does lack temperament. He particularly gets frustrated when he is being closed down quickly or receives minimal possession, causing him to play in a rash manner.
The Argentine international offer versatility, as well as the skill, going forward, but he simply isn’t consistent enough to make himself a safe option for Leeds United. Furthermore, the winger has a €60 million release clause, so it remains unlikely that the Whites would have been able to land him either way unless Sevilla were willing to compensate a large amount of their profit.
Nevertheless, missing out on Ocampos shouldn’t really deter the Yorkshire outfit as they continue their search for a viable attacker who can compete with the likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison next season.
