OPINION
Leeds United have passed up the opportunity to sign striker Matej Vydra from Derby County as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post, due to the high wage demands that the Whites could not agree to.
However, passing up the opportunity to sign a forward who has bagged 22 goals in the 2017/2018 season may end up being the club’s biggest regret of the summer.
Nevertheless, the club have the chance to redeem themselves, and they must sign Middlesbrough centre-forward Britt Assombalonga in order to achieve that feat – the Northern Echo claiming they are keen on a move for the former Nottingham Forest forward.
The 26-year-old netted 15 goals during the last campaign to help Boro to a fifth-placed finish, ensuring them of a play-off spot.
This goal tally is exactly what Leeds need following the Vydra situation – and if they do not pursue an interest, then they may face the very real prospect of manager Marcelo Bielsa growing frustrated at the helm.
Leeds need fresh attacking talent amongst their ranks, and they will not get many more opportunties to acquire the services of a top-quality Championship striker if they decide to pass up on Assombalonga too.
The optimism that surrounded the new boss’ arrival at Elland Road will be damaged if the club to not manage to grind out a deal for the Congo international.
Leeds will now be feeling the pressure to pursue other attacking options, but Assombalonga appears to be their only viable option right now, and they must test Middlesbrough’s resolve by submitting a bid for the attacker.
Without a prolific talisman such as the Boro player, then Leeds risk falling in the wrong direction down the league table, rather than challenging for promotion.
Assombalonga’s potential arrival would give Bielsa fresh new talent to work with, and he would most likely build the team around him to maximise their threat going forward.
Leeds must now go and swoop for Assombalonga, or else face the prospect of the fans losing faith in their team.