Why Leeds United should go back in the market for Maxwel Cornet

Back in August, French outlet Le Foot Sur 7 (h/t Leeds Live) had mentioned Leeds United among the potential suitors for Lyon winger Maxwel Cornet. The Ivorian international was also reported to be on the radar of Liverpool, Watford, Wolfsburg, and Borussia Dortmund during the summer, but he eventually ended up staying put in France.

Despite their interest in Cornet coming to nothing, Leeds United went on to enjoy a successful transfer window following their promotion to the Premier League. The Whites completed deals for Rodrigo Moreno, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Raphinha as a part of their summer recruitment drive. 

Profile

Maxwel Cornet completed his footballing education at Metz and made his professional debut in Ligue 2 during the 2012-13 campaign. He featured 25 times for his boyhood club in all competitions before being snapped up by Lyon in January 2015. 

The 24-year-old has struggled to establish himself as an undisputed starter at Lyon due to stiff competition for places but has been a key squad player over the years. Cornet has amassed an impressive tally of 47 goals and 23 assists in 221 appearances for Lyon in all competitions. 

Cornet represented France across various age groups between U-16 and U-21 before switching his allegiance to represent Ivory Coast at the senior international level. The left-footed winger has since scored 4 times in 18 appearances for his nation, representing the Elephants at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Cornet would add more depth to the Leeds attack

Leeds are still short of adequate depth and quality on the flanks despite roping in a natural wide player like Raphinha from Stade Rennes in the summer. Marcelo Bielsa has relied on Helder Costa and Man City loanee Jack Harrison as his first-choice wide attackers, with Raphinha yet to establish himself in a prominent role at Elland Road.

Costa and Harrison have been among the standout performers for the Whites in the Premier League so far. But it goes without saying that Leeds lack much quality depth in that department beyond them. Bielsa has often called upon the services of Ian Poveda from the bench but the youngster lacks enough experience to make an instant impact in the top-flight.

To that end, Leeds should make a renewed attempt to sign Maxwel Cornet from Lyon when the transfer window reopens in January. The Ivorian boasts an impressive track record of goals and assists in the French top-flight. At 24, the time might just be right for him to test his credentials in the highly competitive Premier League.

Cornet has the versatility to operate on either side of the pitch and would offer Bielsa a quality alternative to the likes of Harrison, Costa, and Raphinha. Leeds need more than one quality player competing for places in each position given the hectic schedule of a 38-game season, not to mention the rigours of participating in the cup competitions. 

Besides his obvious ability to score and create goals, Cornet also excels with his work rate down the flanks. As evident from his heat map in Ligue 1 this season, the Ivorian is not only adept at getting into dangerous areas in the final third but also has the tenacity to track back and help out his defenders. 

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Verdict

Suffice to say, it is a no-brainer that Leeds going back in the market for Maxwel Cornet in January would make a lot of sense. The Ivorian has backed up his strong domestic performances with some quality displays in the Champions League over the years, scoring 6 times in 23 appearances in Europe’s elite club competition. 

Cornet still has his best years ahead of him at 24 and will surely benefit from working under a charismatic manager like Bielsa in the Premier League. All in all, the Whites should go all out for the Lyon star during the mid-season trading period.