Why Leeds United should sign Ryan Fraser in the summer
As per Football Insider (h/t The Shields Gazette), Leeds United have been tipped to make a move for Bournemouth forward Ryan Fraser, whose contract with the Cherries expires at the end of the season.
Fraser, 26, came through the ranks of Aberdeen’s youth system and joined Bournemouth in 2013. He instantly became a regular member in the starting XI except for a small loan spell with Ipswich Town. Since his return, he has featured regularly and has made significant improvements in each year.
Last season, he was instrumental in Bournemouth’s survival in the top-flight, contributing with 7 goals and 14 assists. He is one of the most capable wingers in the league and could be on the move with his contract coming to an end in June.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa has done a brilliant job with Leeds United this term, helping them to the top of the Championship table. The whites are currently 1 point ahead of West Brom in the race for automatic qualification and are 7 points clear of the Championship play-offs.
With the season suspended due to coronavirus pandemic, it remains to be seen if Leeds can achieve promotion to the top-flight. However, regardless of their league status, the manager should look to make changes for the new season before it starts.
One area which needs to be strengthened is the attacking unit. Patrick Bamford is the lone striker up front and Jean-Kevin Augustin could be on his way back to Germany when his loan spell ends in the summer. On the flanks, Helder Costa and Jack Harrison have been brilliant for the Whites. But they too are on loan and nothing can be said of the permanent move to Elland Road.
Therefore, it would be wise of the club to bring in reinforcements to bolster their attack and Bournemouth’s Ryan Fraser would be a viable option.
The 26-year-old has been in good form in the last two campaigns and still has a lot more to offer at the highest level. He has already made over 250 career appearances and that would help him settle to the conditions at Elland Road.
After assisting 14 last campaign, Fraser has 4 to his name so far this term. He would be a boost to Bielsa’s squad which has been deprived of depth in the frontline. He could be a valuable asset to the squad if he can replicate the good form he has shown previously at the South Coast.
Verdict
Bielsa has limited options in the wide areas in Costa, Harrison, and Ivan Poveda and thus, adding depth to the squad must be his priority. Given Fraser’s abilities, he would definitely provide them with quality upfront. Thus, Leeds must manage to lure the Scottish international to their side in the summer.
