Leeds could be set for a busy and exciting summer window, particularly if we receive extra investment and are preparing for life in the Premier League.
We have looked impressive for most of the current campaign but there are still significant areas of weakness in the club, and with certain loan players returning to parent clubs there will be a need to spend.
One area we will be light on is in attack. Patrick Bamford is the only senior striker with a permanent contract in the squad, and given he has only scored 13 goals this term Marcelo Bielsa may look to add Premier League pedigree to the squad.
Former Leeds forward Noel Whelan certainly believes the striking department is an area in urgent need of attention, and acknowledges the fact that the Whites will need to be prepared to spend big in order to get the right man.
Whelan is very ambitious, however, and has his eye on two players who could make a real difference to the team.
Speaking to Football Insider, he said:
“It is a case of spending money in the right areas and a goalscorer is one you are going to have to part a lot of money with, unfortunately. We need to give ourselves every opportunity.
“We need players that will make a difference. I would be looking at the Celtic striker – Edouard if we are going up. Is he available and if he is, let’s bring him in. For £30million that would be a great buy and I can see it.
“Someone like him or Mitrovic or both! But maybe that is greedy!”
If we are indeed looking at players like the pair mentioned above then that is very encouraging, as both have proved they have the ability to take us to the next level.
Edouard, for example, has scored 27 goals for Celtic this term, including Europa League strikes against the likes of Copenhagen and Cluj, and has sparked interest from Arsenal as a result.
That highlights the talent he possesses and at 22 he could become even better, particularly under the tutelage of Marcelo Bielsa.
Similarly, Aleksandar Mitrovic has an all-round game that would suit our manager and his style of play. The Serbia international is adept on the ground and in the air with 4.6 aerial duels won per league game this season, and his return of 11 goals in his last Premier League season shows he’d be a suitable addition.
Both individuals find the net far from frequently for Bamford, that is for sure, and given Edouard’s pedigree in Europe and Mitrovic’s success on the international stage – with 10 goals for Serbia in Euro 2020 qualifying – both would be an upgrade on our current main striker.