Leeds United are reportedly looking to bring ex-Chelsea and Crystal Palace forward Michy Batshuayi to Elland Road.
Now 30 years old, Batshuayi, who clinched a Premier League title with Chelsea, currently plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey. Although not a consistent starter, he has impressively netted 22 goals this season.
His contract expires at the season’s end, and reports from Turkish outlet Star suggest that Fenerbahce are open to negotiating a new deal with the forward, but Leeds United are looking to hijack the deal.
Acquiring a player of Batshuayi’s caliber on a free transfer could be seen as an astute signing by numerous Premier League clubs. Particularly noteworthy is the fact that Chelsea previously secured his services for a reported £33 million.
How does Batshuayi compare to current Leeds United forwards?
Michy Batshuayi. Credit: Imago Images
Despite some decent performances, Leeds United’s current crop of forwards haven’t scored as many as they would have hoped.
Under Marcelo Bielsa, Patrick Bamford was banging them in during their time in the Championship together, scoring 16 goals in 45 appearances in 19/20. This season, he’s only managed seven in 31 appearances.
£35.5 million-man Georginio Rutter’s performances have improved since joining last January but hasn’t been prolific up top either. The 21-year-old Frenchman has scored seven in 44 appearances.
Joel Piroe was brought in for £12 million last summer to help United’s goalscoring woes. Since the move, Piroe has been mostly deployed behind the number nine as a second striker. The Dutchman has scored 12 in 42 appearances.
Most of Leeds’ goals have come from their wingers. Dan James and Crysencio Summerville have both been electric so far this season, scoring 13 and 18 goals respectively.
With 22 goals in all competitions out in Turkey so far this season, and Premier League experience, Batshuayi could prove to be a big upgrade on Leeds’ current options.
