OPINION
Leeds United have surely been given a boost in their hopes to sign Portsmouth attacker Jamal Lowe this summer, after the 24-year-old suggested he wants to be playing in the Championship next season.
Lowe has had an impressive season with Portsmouth and was the club’s top goal scorer with 15 goals in League 1 this campaign, as Kenny Jackett’s side finished fourth in the league and secured the Checkatrade Trophy.
However, Portsmouth were beaten in the League 1 play-off semi-finals by Sunderland, who claimed a 1-0 aggregate win after a goalless draw at Fratton Park in the second leg on Thursday, meaning Jackett’s side will have to compete once again in the English third tier next season.
That could be good news for Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds, who were linked with a move to sign Lowe in the January transfer window according to Football Insider, with the Portsmouth winger suggesting wants to spend next season playing in the Championship rather than League 1.
“Of course I do (want to play in the Championship). We all do,” Lowe said as quoted in the Daily Star.
“I personally do, but that’s a thing for next season now. It hurts at the moment, but we’ve had a great season. The fans appreciated us and clapped us off the end when they could’ve booed. They appreciated what we did this season – and we appreciate them back.”
Leeds might be able to capitalise on the winger’s desire to play at a higher level next season, and make a move for the 24-year-old during the summer transfer window.
A player of Lowe’s ability would be an excellent addition for Leeds, who have themselves suffered promotion disappointment this campaign first missing out on automatic promotion in the closing weeks of the regular season, before losing in the play-off semi-finals to Derby County on Wednesday.
One reason for Leeds missing out on promotion was their failure to take their opportunities in front of goal, that is something that Lowe could help improve with the 24-year-old’s 15 goals in League 1 this season meaning he averaged a goal every 270 minutes [BBC Sport], with only Kemar Roofe having a better minutes per goal ration than that for Bielsa’s side this season.
Lowe would be a good signing for Leeds this season if Bielsa’s side decide to make a move, and the winger looks like he is keen on moving to a Championship this summer.