Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa is in the market for a new striker. The Whites have been linked with a move for free agent Abel Hernandez but they are yet to get the deal done and the situation seems a tad concerning.
While the Uruguayan forward might be the priority target at Elland Road, what other alternatives are available to explore?
Leeds could turn to Tottenham Hotspur flop Fernando Llorente. Having joined the North London side last summer, Llorente’s lack of game time could see him deemed surplus to requirement by Mauricio Pochettino. The 33-year-old striker has a year left on his deal at White Hart Lane.
As things stand, Tottenham are keen to sign Nice’s Alassane Plea as Harry Kane’s understudy. Plea’s arrival would only hasten Llorente’s exit and the Spaniard has already expressed his desire to depart this summer.
The 2010 World Cup winner is already past his peak. While he might not be able to torment Championship defenders, it must be noted that he still has an eye for the goal. Llorente scored five goals in 453 minutes of football across all competitions last season and that speaks volumes of his abilities.
Llorente’s physical presence on the field and in the dressing room would help calm nerves at Leeds. His vast experience would be invaluable for a Leeds side mounting a promotion challenge under legendary manager Bielsa. The 33-year-old former Spain international has made over 550 club appearances in a long career spanning over 15 years.
Llorente’s tall physique allows him to be aerially strong as a target man. He is an excellent technical player with good offensive movement, positional sense and ability to hold up play to open spaces for teammates. His link-up play allows the striker to play with his back to goal.
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Llorente still has a lot to offer to this Leeds side and if talks to sign 27-year-old Hernandez fails, Bielsa should test Tottenham’s resolve to sell. He might not a marquee signing but Fernando Llorente would be a valuable asset for Leeds.
