OPINION
The time of the year has come when sides across England, Scotland and Wales are announcing the first of their summer departures.
All 20 Premier League sides have now submitted their retained lists following the 2016-17 campaign, revealing which players have failed to land new deals at their respective clubs.
A report published on the Premier League’s official website listed all the players that were set to be released by their clubs this summer, and it revealed that Crystal Palace were set to part ways with experienced striker Fraizer Campbell.
The 29-year-old has failed to land an extended contract agreement at Selhurst Park, and will depart the club in pursuit of a fresh challenge.
Here, This is Futbol reveals three reasons why Leeds should pull out all the stops to sign the newly available Premier League goalscorer who is proven and has pace to burn:
Chris Wood
To put it simply, Leeds are in desperate need for cover in the goalscoring position. Chris Wood almost singlehandedly lead the line for the club last term, and he needs more support if Leeds are going to hit new heights.
The New Zealand international scored an impressive 30 goals from 48 appearances in all competitions last season, but the next best goalscorer in the first-team squad was centre-back Kyle Bartley with six.
Souleymane Doukara also scored six goals, but between himself and fellow attackers Hadi Sacko, Marcos Antonsson and Kemar Roofe, the goalscoring return was poor.
If Leeds are to expect a promotion challenge in the Championship next season, they will need to add at least one new striker to their ranks, and free-agent Campbell could be a simple solution.
The English one-cap wonder has struggled to score regularly in the Premier League, but has proven more prolific at Championship level with the likes of Hull and Cardiff City, and would be a fine alternative to Wood.
Garry Monk
But there will also be concerns about Wood’s long-term future at the club, particularly with ex-Leeds manager Garry Monk reportedly set to be named the new Middlesbrough boss.
Monk was partly responsible for Wood’s excellent goalscoring form last term, before quitting his role as manager at the end of last month after contract talks with the club broke down.
However, he now looks set to fill the managerial vacancy at rivals Middlesbrough, and he could look to take some of his former Leeds stars with him.
One of the most likely candidates will be Wood, and Campbell’s previous top-flight experience and eye for goal would make him a viable replacement.
But he could also seek to raid the remainder of Leeds’ attacking ranks, of whom the likes of Doukara and Antonsson are not at the same level as the former Manchester United youngster..
Financially-savvy
Campbell was likely to have been earning a Premier League wage during his time at Crystal Palace, and he would no doubt have to take a wage cut to join a club in the Championship.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani will be keeping a tight leash on the club’s finances this summer, but money will still be spent in order to bring in the necessary talent to improve the squad.
However, despite his potential wage demands, the lack of a transfer fee would still make Campbell one of the more low-cost options available to the club this summer, and they should pursue a deal.
Considering players such as Scott Hogan and Jonathan Kodjia transferred last season for fees upwards of £10million, Leeds may struggle to land a quality goalscoring option for much less in today’s market.