As earlier reported by Leeds Live, Leeds United are interested in signing Deportivo Alaves midfielder Ibai Gomez. The 29-year-old could be tempted to reunite with his former Athletic Bilbao manager Marcelo Bielsa at Elland Road.
Now, according to AS, 2015/16 Premier League champions, Leicester City are also interested in signing the gifted winger. With just over a month left until the January transfer window opens, we look at why Leeds must beat Leicester City to sign Ibai Gomez.
Gomez has been on a hot streak of form. He’s probably one of the most underrated attacking players in the Spanish league this season. The Spaniard is often deployed on the right wing but can also play on the left flank. He has three goals and two assists in 13 games. Furthermore, he has been vital in Alaves’ good run of form as well.
However, the Basque country outfit could be forced to sell their star man go in January for as little as £4.5 million. The player’s current contract at the Mendizorrotza Stadium is set to expire at the end of the season.
The former Athletic Bilbao player could provide the creative spark needed in Bielsa’s midfield. Leeds United need reinforcements in the middle of the park if they are to attain their first-ever return to the Premier League since 2004.
Although he has never played outside Spain, Ibai Gomez is an experienced player, having featured in over 230 La Liga matches. Gomez can deliver exquisite crosses for his side’s strikers to finish. The 29-year-old can provide some fine key passes in the opposition third and can also take set-pieces.
At Elland Road, centre-forwards like Kemar Roofe would stand to benefit from the midfielder’s work. Creating more goalscoring opportunities would massively boost Leeds’ promotion chances as well.
Having played under Bielsa before during their time at Bilbao, Gomez should be able to understand his tactics and the demands of playing under the Argentine. Leeds need to assemble the strongest squad they can heading into the second half of the season.
The Whites should aim for a top-two finish which would guarantee automatic qualification. To achieve this, Bielsa needs squad depth and proven quality players and Gomez ticks both boxes. Hence, Leeds should swoop in and convince the 29-year-old to move to Elland Road.
