The January window is around the corner, and some expect Leeds United to be active. After how the summer window ended, many fans will be hoping the owners make amends with a few signings in the winter.
One area the Whites could do with is helping the overall attack, who have struggled to create and score this season. But that could be solved as reports suggest that Inter Milan star Piotr Zielinski could be on his way to Elland Road. Pete O’Rourke of Football Insider thinks the Polish international is a target Leeds will consider.
“He was linked with Leeds in the summer window and they were linked with a couple of other midfielders as well,”
“He is well down the pecking order at the San Siro. He’s struggled for game time, had just two starts in the Champions League, so he’s not started a Serie A game.
“Inter are definitely open to his departure to try and save some money and boost their own transfer coffers.
“Whether they’ll be able to sell Zielinski to Leeds, that remains to be seen.”
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United strikers?
What Piotr Zielinski brings
Piotr Zielinski Credit: Imago
He’s a very orthodox attacking midfielder; his game revolves around scoring or creating. He can feature as the number 10 behind the striker or as a very advanced midfielder. Before he joined Inter Milan, he managed 36 league goal contributions in three seasons for Napoli. This kind of production is something that Leeds could very much use.
Zielinski career goals Sofascore
He would be a much better option in the number 10 role than any other midfielder at the club. Zielinski knows how to manipulate space in midfield to create and score.
Is he What Leeds United need now?
Speaking of how the Polish international could fit in the team is a very difficult topic. Despite being a very good player with incredible attacking output, there are drawbacks. Zielinski has many positives about his game when it comes to attacking, but he falls short of what Daniel Farke wants in midfield. The Polish international is very poor off the ball.
Zielinski Fbref radar
The Inter Milan man is among the lowest percentiles for tackles, interceptions and aerials won in his FBref charts. And in a competition like the Premier League, he would be too much of a liability for the team to carry. So if Leeds truly need an option in that role in January, Zielinski should not be the club’s priority.
no we not need any old players.
fkin bullshit as usual