Edinson Cavani
According to Daily Mail, Leeds United were interested in signing star striker Edinson Cavani last January but a deal didn’t materialize and the forward stayed put at Paris Saint-Germain.
Cavani, 33, came through the ranks of Danubio FC in Uruguay before moving to Italy with Palermo in 2007. After three years, he went initially on loan to Napoli and became one of the best strikers in Serie A and ended the 2012/13 season as the top scorer in the league.
The veteran was signed by French giants PSG in 2013 and he went on to become the club’s top scorer in their history. In 301 appearances, he scored 200 goals and was also instrumental in several titles PSG have won over the past seven years. He has established himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Europe.
Given Leeds were interested in the Uruguayan star, they should make their interest known in the experienced campaigner once again.
Marcelo Bielsa’s men have been brilliant in every department and have managed to reach the top of the Championship table. They are hoping for automatic qualification to the Premier League for the first time in 14 years since they were relegated from the top-flight.
However, the manager needs to reinforce the squad with top quality players if they are to do better in the top-flight. One area that needs to be strengthened is the attacking unit, where Patrick Bamford is the only in-form striker available.
Jean-Kevin Augustin, who was signed on loan in January, hasn’t lived up to the expectations of the club and the fans, and Tyler Roberts is inexperienced to lead the line for a whole campaign. Hence, it would be a wise decision to make a move for an established striker in the summer.
In that regard, PSG strike force Edinson Cavani would be a valuable option for the promotion-hoping side. The 33-year-old has scored 15 or more goals in each of the last 9 seasons and is a proven goalscorer.
His goalscoring prowess can never be doubted and he still has got the energy to play at a higher level without any hindrance as he is not prone to injuries.
Cavani has already scored 7 goals in 22 games across all competitions this season despite playing for fewer minutes than most the world-class strikers. He is also capable of operating on either flank and can provide Leeds with the much-needed extra goals.
The Uruguayan international is experienced at both the club level and international and could be a leader on the pitch for the whites.
Leeds are in dire need of a natural centre-forward due to the limited options they have. Cavani could bring his qualities and technique to Bielsa’s squad and help them improve their goalscoring. Therefore, the Whites should lure him to Elland Road in the summer.
