During the summer transfer window, Leeds United were linked with a long list of targets. But eventually the Whites signed three forwards for this season.
Leeds spent £18million on Noah Okafor, and signed Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on free transfers. Some fans were very frustrated about their options going into this season, questioning the lack of spending in attack.
The likes of Callum Wilson, Michail Antonio and Rodrigo Muniz were all linked with moves to Elland Road. Unfortunately they all ended up making different decisions on their careers.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United goalkeepers?
Gonzalo Garcia explains contract decision
Gonzalo Garcia Credit: Imago
One surprise name that popped up on the radar of English clubs was Gonzalo Garcia. The Spanish youngster took all the headlines with his performances at the Club World Cup. The striker had four goals and an assist in six games in the competition. With many believing he would not be involved in Madrid’s first team, the links to English clubs came up. Leeds and Sunderland were the major names mentioned, but the Spain youth international chose to sign a new contract with the Champions League club.
Garcia has recently been speaking to Marca on his decision to extend his stay in Spain:
“My only option has always been to stay at Real Madrid. For me, it’s a dream to be part of the first team.
“And for now, I’m very happy and content with the decision I made.
“We’re talking about the best club in the world, and the competition is going to be fierce, because the best in the world are always here.
“But for me, having spent so many years in the youth academy and having been a Real Madrid fan since I was a kid, it’s a true dream to be part of the first team, and I don’t regret a single thing.”
Could Leeds United have been better off signing Real Madrid star?
First off, his price tag stood at around £25million so it would have been difficult to pull off after the club’s PSR limitations. But ultimately, Garcia’s experience was limited at the top level
Gonzalo Garcia Credit: Sofascore
Despite scoring 25 goals in the Primera Federacion, the striker has just four goals as a senior player. Spending that kind of money on this sample size would not have been ideal. Leeds might be better off with Joel Piroe, Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
