Leeds United are running out of time this season. The season began with a mixed feeling but their early form under Thomas Christiansen set the club rolling. However, as Christiansen’s pack fell, the manager was given the sack. Despite appointing a new manager, Leeds have not had much change in luck and are rapidly falling off the pace from the playoff spot.
The team now has a handful of matches to cover a huge points deficit and are at best outsiders to get a top-six finish. In their season which has swung from good to bad, one player has stood out; Pablo Hernandez.
The 33-year old has scored six goals and provided six assists. While the numbers are only decent and nothing striking, Hernandez’s influence in the team has been way more than just scoring and assisting. He has provided a decent attacking outlet everytime he has turned up and looks one of the most dangerous players in possession for Leeds.
However, the player’s contract is set to expire this summer and the club has not yet extended his terms. If Hernandez does move on, Leeds will need a replacement for him, Here are three options they can look at.
Firmin Mubele
The Congolese footballer who plays for Stade Rennais was approached by Newcastle in the summer, failed to secure a move to the Premier League. The versatile player who primarily plays as a winger but can also play as a striker has played 26 games this season and has scored 5 goals and set up two more. He can be a good option for the Whites.
Dwight Gayle
The striker who graduated from the Arsenal youth academy was in seriously good form last season when he helped Rafa Benitez’s men qualify for the English Premier League by clinching the Championship title. He has, however, been unable to repeat his heroics this time around leaving Newcastle in a tough state. The Magpies have endured a mixed start to their campaign in England’s top league. After a quick start, Newcastle United flopped and their loss in form saw them sink to the lower end of the table. Leeds could target Gayle as a potential replacement with their forwards playing some poor football this season and Gayle could be a good replacement for Hernandez given his ability to play on the wings as well.
Jerry Mbakogu
Capri striker Jerry Mbakogu is a 25-year old Nigerian footballer who has played for multiple Italian clubs including being part of Juventus as a young player. He is physically strong and can hold up the ball as well as run fast between the lines. He has scored 36 goals and provided 20 assists for Capri in just over 125 matches and played a key part in their promotion campaign scoring 15 in 30 matches. He has been in good touch this season scoring 8 in 22, including a strike in front of the Leeds scouts.
His ability to play in the wings or as a central forward would mean that he is an ideal replacement for Hernandez at Leeds United.
