Leeds United are still looking to add another striker this summer as they aim to reduce their dependence on Dominic Calvert-Lewin heading into the new Premier League season.
Calvert-Lewin played a pivotal role in Leeds’ survival last term, scoring 14 league goals in an impressive debut campaign. But his importance also exposed a weakness in the squad, with Daniel Farke’s side often lacking a consistent goalscoring threat whenever the former Everton striker went through a lean spell.
As a result, signing another centre-forward remains one of Leeds’ top priorities before the transfer window closes. The club want someone capable of competing with Calvert-Lewin for a starting spot, while also offering Farke the flexibility to pair the two together when the situation demands.
Just as crucially, Leeds are searching for a striker who can shoulder the responsibility of leading the attack if Calvert-Lewin is unavailable, giving the squad the depth it needs to cope with the demands of a long Premier League season.
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Leeds United miss out on striker target
The Whites have already signed Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic this summer, and are closing in on a club-record deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford.
Leeds are also chasing the signature of 30-year-old German attacking midfielder Julian Brandt. However, signing a striker is still one of the club’s top priorities.
However, the Whites have been blown out of the race to sign one striker Leeds were hoping to secure this summer.
Carlos Espi emerged as one of Leeds’ striker targets, and the club were hoping to sign the forward who had a £21.4m release clause in his Levante contract.
However, Real Madrid finalised a lightning-quick agreement to sign the 21-year-old Spanish striker on Thursday night.
They paid the release clause and announced that the forward has signed a five-year contract with the Spanish giants.
Leeds had no chance once Real Madrid got involved
Leeds were banking on convincing Espi to consider a move to Elland Road this summer as part of their transfer strategy.
He was La Liga’s Young Player of the Year last season and was almost certain to leave Levante this summer. Leeds felt that they had a chance to secure a top young player for a reasonable price.
However, everything changed when Real Madrid decided to sell young striker Gonzalo Garcia to Fulham this week, prompting them to enter the market for a forward.
Once they set their sights on Espi, he was always going to favour a move to the Santiago Bernabeu over Elland Road.
