Leeds should look to bring Everton teenager Ademola Lookman to Elland Road on a season-long loan this summer.
Lookman, an £11million January signing from Charlton, has started just three times in the Premier League for the Toffees since his move to Merseyside and could be allowed to leave next season to gain first-team experience.
Here, This Is Futbol analyses three reasons why Leeds should move for the 19-year-old attacker, who can play out wide or as a centre-forward.
Four wingers departing
Permanent deals for Alfonso Pedraza, Hadi Sacko and Modou Barrow are unlikely to occur, while Jordan Botaka is set to become a free agent after failing to earn an extension on expiring contract. With only Stuart Dallas, Souleymane Doukara and Kemar Roofe left as the Yorkshire giants’ options out wide, width is needed as Italian owner Andrea Radrizzani enters his first transfer window in complete control of the club. Possessing pace and an eye for goal, Lookman could hold the key to pushing Leeds from promotion hopefuls to Championship title challengers.
A move that would benefit all parties
Leeds would gain a huge advantage by bringing Everton’s number 31 to Yorkshire this summer, as they would add creativity, an increased tempo and goals to a side that relied on Chris Wood’s form to propel them to top of the Championship table last term. Everton would also benefit, as they would be receiving a player after the loan who has increased in quality due to his regular first-team appearances. Lookman himself would become a better player for the loan, as he is in desperate need of first-team action in order to further his career and go to the next level of taking on Premier League defences.
Effect on transfer budget
Money has always been tight at Elland Road. Their relegation from the Premiership in 2004 and free fall down the Football League has been largely down to the financial collapse that saw Peter Ridsdale bite off more than he could chew. It has seen Leeds use the loan market and bring in a number of free agents before looking to sign players that require a transfer fee, and bringing in Lookman would help Leeds’ next manager preserve the allocated transfer budget he is given by Radrizzani this summer.