Leeds United are in the market for a striker, and the club are scouring the market to ensure they sign the right number 9 before the start of the Premier League season. They are aware that their recruitment in attack could end up deciding their fate in the top flight.
The Whites have spent a shade over £75m this summer on seven new arrivals, but six of them are defenders and midfielders. Leeds have only signed one striker in Lukas Nmecha, and he arrived on a free transfer earlier in the window. The former Wolfsburg man is seen as more of a squad option.
Leeds are still in the market for a starting number 9 who is good enough to lead the line for the club next season, and the focus is on adding someone more Premier League proven, despite their interest in Roma striker Artem Dovbyk in the ongoing transfer window.
Rodrigo Muniz is the primary target, but Fulham are yet to open to selling him, and apart from Newcastle United, the forward has also been offered to Aston Villa and Tottenham this summer.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
| [freshpress-quiz id=”42763″] |
Leeds United still have their eyes on Everton striker Beto
Beto has been heavily linked with a move to Leeds this summer, but the Whites seem to have turned their focus towards Muniz and Dovbyk in recent weeks.
However, journalist Graeme Bailey has confirmed that the Everton striker has continued to remain on their radar in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds have not ruled out signing the 27-year-old forward this summer, and Everton are expected to listen to offers for him if they sign a striker before the end of the transfer window.
Everton would want to recoup as much of the £25m fee they paid to sign him from Udinese in 2023.
“From what I’m told, I still don’t think Beto’s completely off Leeds’ list and off the table”, Bailey told Leeds United News.
“I still think Everton are looking at other strikers as well, so if they brought another one in, Beto might still be an option.
“I wouldn’t rule him out at all. He’s still on the radar and a work in progress still, even if he’s not Leeds’ first-choice.”
Beto scored 12 goals in all competitions last season, including eight in the Premier League.
Beto is a more affordable option for Leeds
Muniz remains Leeds’ primary target, but the competition for his signature is getting stiffer with each passing day as more Premier League clubs join the queue for him.
Dovbyk is another option, but Daniel Farke would prefer to sign someone with Premier League experience, and Beto fits the bill.
The Everton striker is not a prolific goalscorer, but he has the physicality needed to play for Leeds and suits their recruitment style for the summer.
Leeds are unlikely to pay £25m for him, but he is likely to become available for a lesser fee towards the end of the transfer window.
The reason he is a cheaper option is simply because he isn’t anywhere near as good as a lot of others on the market and to waste that kind of money on him would be criminal negligence in my opinion
Ask yourself why Everton want to let him go despite the fact they are struggling for strikers for the opening game. Should tell you all you need to know