At many points in the ongoing campaign in the second tier of English football, it appeared that Leeds United could be well on course to clinch a ticket to the play-offs. Garry Monk always knew that he had ventured into the baptism of fire ever since he stepped into the Elland Road. Dividends did start to yield in their stride but in the last couple of months, the Whites have withered away and are out of the race for a promotion spot.
Reports have already started to emerge after the 3-3 draw against Norwich City on Saturday that Leeds United’s owner Andrea Radrizzani is seemingly likely to show Monk the exit route in the summer. The former Swansea City boss might have had steadied the ship of the Championship outfit but their failure to land themselves inside the top six of the league table of the second tier of English football must have been too hard to bear. The upcoming summer window should be seeing a wholesale amount of changes and one of the areas which Leeds United must particularly focus on is their striking department.
Chris Wood has almost singlehandedly discharged the goal-getting needs of the club as he has rendered 26 goals and 4 assists from 43 appearances for Monk’s troops so far this season. However, it has been evident, time and again, that the Peacocks had no Plan B as a replacement for the Kiwi international. Football is a game which takes a great toll on the body and one must expect regularly starting players to wane at some point of time in a season. Monk had been pragmatic in his offensive approach and is paying the price for the complacency.
Without any shadow of doubt, Birmingham City’s hitman Lukas Jutkiewicz should be eyed by Leeds United in their quest of adding a potent weapon in their attacking arsenal. The 28-year-old has banged 11 goals and registered 2 assists for the Blues in the Championship and has arguably been one of the finest players for them. Relatively tall and well built, he has a wide range of attributes, including posing himself as a serial aerial threat, clinical attitude in front of the goal, knack to create the right passes and has the requisite pace as well.
It would be hard to keep Wood at the Elland Road after considering the name he has made for himself this season but irrespective of whether the New Zealander stays or not, Jutkiewicz would be an astute signing for Leeds United. He could collect 10-15 goals easily and has the experience of English football, which could come really handy for the club which would definitely look forward for uplift next season.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored.com
