Arthur Cabral (Getty Images)
As per Globesporte (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post), Leeds United are interested in signing FC Basel star Arthur Cabral to bolster their attack for the new season.
The report suggests that the Whites have tabled a £16m bid for the young Brazilian, who just made his move permanent to FC Basel last month after an impressive loan spell from Palmeiras. Cabral has been in sensational form in the 2019/20 campaign.
The 22-year-old started his career with Ceara Sporting Club’s youth system. He made 46 appearances for the club’s senior set-up, scoring 11 goals and providing 2 assists before joining Palmeiras in January 2019. He could make just 2 appearances for Palmeiras but a loan move to Switzerland last summer helped him improve.
He was in a brilliant run of form, scoring regularly for the side throughout the 2019/20 campaign. He finished as the club’s top-scorer with 14 league goals as they finished 3rd in the league standings.
He also played a key role in taking his club to the quarterfinals of the Europa League competition this season. Despite his tender age, Cabral has already shown immense qualities.
Marcelo Bielsa managed to take Leeds back to the Premier League after 16 years. They were brilliant as they lifted the Championship title. However, there are several key areas where the manager needs to bring in reinforcements if they have to prolong in the top-flight.
At the moment, the Whites have only one established striker. Patrick Bamford has done a decent job, scoring 16 league goals but he hasn’t been consistent throughout. Young Tyler Roberts seems to be comfortable in an attacking midfield role. They did sign Joe Gelhardt from Wigan but he is just 18 and needs the experience to lead the attack.
In that regard, signing Cabral would be a sensible move by the club. The youngster has been in good nick and has scored throughout the campaign. He could bring in competition for Bamford upfront, whilst also adding depth to the squad.
He is just 22 and has a lot of room for development under the guidance of Bielsa. And if he is able to continue with the fine form, he can be their leader in the attack in the future. He has shown immense potential and could be crucial for Leeds next season.
With only Bamford as an established striker, it is clear that Leeds are in dire need of centre-forwards to build a team for the future. And Cabral, who has shown his potential, could lead them in the long run. Thus, they should lure the Brazilian to Elland Road this summer.
