Jesse Marsch’s relationship with Atletico Madrid striker Matheus Cunha could help convince the player to move to Elland Road, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.
The Brazilian forward has been linked with a move to Leeds and Wolves as he looks set to depart Madrid in the January transfer window.
Marsch was assistant manager at RB Leipzig when Cunha played there, before the striker moved to Hertha Berlin in 2020, and the pair know each other well.
Cunha scored nine goals and provided three assists in 52 games for Leipzig, and he later moved to Atletico after impressing in Berlin.
Speaking exclusively to This Is Futbol, O’Rourke claimed that this relationship could make Cunha choose Leeds over the other clubs interested in his signature.
TIF thoughts on Cunha and Marsch…
Although Leeds need extra quality upfront amidst Patrick Bamford’s struggles, Cunha may not be the answer to add goals to the team.
The 23-year-old is a highly-rated forward, but is renowned more for his work rate and ability off the ball than his goalscoring, and his poor goal records at all of his clubs are not promising.
He is more of a false nine, or second striker, similar to Leeds forward Rodrigo, rather than an out-and-out number nine, but given that Marsch knows the player, he will be well-equipped to judge whether the Brazilian would be a worthwhile addition.
Cunha, who has been hailed as a ‘magician’, ranks in the t0p 5% of European strikers for tackles, blocks and interceptions, highlighting his strengths, but also ranks in the bottom 14% of strikers for goals.
If his arrival helps Bamford or Rodrigo start firing then he could be a solid addition, but he should not be expected to inject goals into the side himself.