Leeds United have only themselves to blame for missing out on a play-off spot in the Championship in the season which just concluded for them. Under the tutelage of Garry Monk, the Whites did seem to be in the process of constructing something monumental but sadly, they withered away in the business end of the season.
In a campaign which ranged from stellar outings to the aforesaid unwanted dramatic collapse, Chris Wood emerged as the silver lining owing to his galvanising consistency through their thick and thin period of his club.
The rise of his stocks aren’t fluke by any sense whatsoever as the New Zealand international banged 27 goals and registered 4 assists in 44 appearances in the English second division for Leeds United. He was supposed to be a wanted commodity for the upcoming summer transfer window and the scenario is dishing out in the exactly the manner in which it was anticipated.
He is already linked with big clubs like West Ham United and Stoke City for as a transfer fee of £15 million, which could eventually even hit the £20 million mark in the transfer tussle.
Wood has earned himself a fine reputation on the English soil. An out-and-out striker who is lethal and absolutely clinical in front of the goal, his calibre has been acknowledged far and wide and quite rightly so. He links well with the midfielders, sniffs for making the most out of the chances he receives, is a deadly poacher inside the box and creates adequate opportunities as well.
The former Leicester City hitman is a shrewd customer up front and his pace, tenacity and movements off the ball do make him a wanted commodity for any top quality side.
The Peacocks are seemingly likely to be tempted to dispose of their sensational striker off their books in the summer but then, this is something which they must refrain themselves from doing, to be honest. The West Yorkshire based outfit shouldn’t succumb to the lure of the transfer fee after what transpired this season. Instead, they must be keen to build themselves once again and maraud towards the promotion spot in the upcoming term.
It would be hard for Leeds United to replace Wood (if they allow him to leave the Elland Road) and selling him would only mean taking two steps backwards after taking one forward, something they just cannot afford to do at this point of time.
Statistics Credits: WhoScored
