OPINION
Leeds United supporters should be fearing the worst amid reports that newly promoted Aston Villa could potentially make a move for forward Kemar Roofe this summer.
According to the Football Insider, Aston Villa are interested in making a move for Roofe during the summer transfer window, as the club prepares for life back in the Premier League after earning promotion via the play-offs this term.
That could be alarming news for Leeds, as Marcelo Bielsa attempts to prepare his squad to mount another promotion bid next season after the Argentine’s side just missed out on promotion via the play-offs this term.
Roofe was an integral part of Bielsa’s strongest starting line-up this campaign, managing to score 15 goals in 28 Championship appearances for the Whites, and the striker might have had an even bigger impact on Leeds’ season had he not had spells out of action with injury troubles.
The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his current contract at Elland Road, and with the striker and the club so far failing to agree a new deal, Leeds might be forced to cash in on Roofe if they receive a high enough offer this summer.
Aston Villa could be an position offer Roofe more money this summer following their promotion, and deliver the prospect of playing Premier League football, which could attract the striker to Villa Park.
Roofe would be a big loss for Bielsa’s side next season, with the Whites already lacking in a clinical edge at times this season, so to therefore lose a 15-goal striker would be a major problem for Leeds ahead of next term.
However, it is not just Roofe’s goals that would be missed at Elland Road, with the 26-year-old also having the technical ability to link up with his team-mates, which is an essential part Bielsa’s game plan, evidenced by the striker making 0.8 key passes and averaging a 76.3% passing accuracy per game [whoscored.com] this season.
Leeds would also have to find another forward in the transfer market who could offer the same amount of energy and ability to press high up the pitch, which again is something Bielsa demands of his players in every game they play in.
It will be interesting to see whether the Whites are able to retain the services of Roofe for next season, but with the 26-year-old out of contract in a year and so far not agreeing a new one, Leeds supports might have to start fearing the worst.