OPINION
Hamburg’s Pierre-Michel Lasogga is reportedly a target for Thomas Christiansen’s Leeds this summer as the Whites boss looks to add another striker to his Elland Road ranks.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay claimed on his personal Twitter account that the 25-year-old striker is interesting Leeds, after a difficult season in the Bundesliga during the 2016-17 campaign.
It is said that the uncapped German is one of the highest earners at Hamburg but the German club are willing to sell their number 10 and will strike a deal with Leeds that would allow the Yorkshire club to afford him.
Leeds are very keen on Lasogga. Wages an issue. One of Hamburg's higher earners but Hamburg willing to do a deal to move him on. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 10, 2017
Lasogga scored just one goal in the top flight of German football last season during 20 league outings, with the majority of his performances coming as a centre-forward.
However, of those 20 league games, Lasogga started just five of those matches and he is believed to still possess the quality necessary to rival New Zealand international Chris Wood for the role of spearheading Leeds’ side.
This Is Futbol considers whether Lasogga would prove a good buy for the Whites this summer, and whether a move is likely to occur:
Good move for Leeds?
Lasogga’s stats in the Bundesliga are certainly a cause for concern, with his 2016-17 form likely to have stunted his growth as a footballer as he enters the peak of his career.
However, his 2015-16 form should also be considered by the Yorkshire giants, after he scored eight goals in 30 Bundesliga appearances as well as adding three assists despite playing in a number of positions.
Lasogga boasts versatility that can see him play out wide as well as in the number 10 role, and that kind of quality would see him offer more than just back-up to the Whites.
Caleb Ekuban got his Leeds career off to a flyer with a goal against Port Vale on his debut, but Lasogga provides more experience as well as cover in attacking midfield.
This Is Futbol rating: 8/10.
Likely to happen?
As Hay suggests, Lasogga’s wages are a problem and would be far too big for Leeds’ current wage structure.
If Leeds can strike a deal with Hamburg that would see the German club pay some of his wages until the end of his current deal with the Bundesliga outfit, or even convince Lasogga to take a pay cut, then a deal could be struck.
But that is a big maybe. Leeds will also have to do a lot persuading to see Lasogga give up top-tier football in Germany against some of the world’s best and drop to second-tier football in England.
However, Lasogga may be forced out of the club with Hamburg said to be keen to strike a deal, and that could see Leeds complete a move for the striker.
This Is Futbol rating: 5/10.