3 strikers Leeds United should move for if Wood exits this summer
Published:
Whites likely to part company with Kiwi hitman
With Burnley reportedly happy to spend £20m+ to secure the services of last season’s 30-goal man Chris Wood from Leeds United this summer, the Whites could well find themselves needing to bolster their strikeforce.
So, with a potential 30-goal hole to plug in the coming weeks, here are three different striking options the Coral News team think could prove savvy signings.
The Budget Option: John Marquis
Last season saw Doncaster Rovers win automatic promotion from League Two. But while the Keepmoat Stadium outfit lacked the quality of their promotion rivals in some areas, that was more than made up for by the sheer brilliance of Marquis.
The 25-year-old striker netted 25 goals in the fourth tier in 2016-17. And his efforts ranged from the spectacular (a fleet-footed solo wonder-goal against Wycombe Wanderers), to the ruthless (a pair of ice-cool strikes inside the box in a 3-1 win at Exeter City).
As well as a deadly finisher, the Londoner is a real creative talent, as proved by a tally of six assists in his first 20 games of last season.
Whether or not he has the quality to thrive in the Championship is something of an unknown. But money wise, he’d cost the club relatively little, and with that in mind, could prove a magnificent piece of business.
The Established Striker: Ivan Santini
Having netted 15 times for Ligue 1 side SM Caen last season – helping the strugglers avoid relegation by a single point – many were surprised that the towering Croatian hasn’t moved on. But the fact he’s not been snapped up yet could be good news for Leeds.
A striker very much in the Wood mould, Santini offers a serious aerial threat, in addition to being a clinical finisher and a man for the big occasion – netting the winning goal in five of Caen’s 10 league victories.
As with the New Zealander, he’s far more useful in the 18-yard-area than outside of it. But if he can grab 15 goals for a poor side in France’s top tier, just think what he could do in this talented and ambitious Leeds side…
The Big Name: Wilfried Bony
Two years ago, the idea of the Ivorian joining any Championship club – even one of the Whites’ stature – would have seemed crazy.
But the Bingerville native has managed just six Premier League goals in 36 games since the start of 2015-16, and with little chance of forcing his way into Pep Guardiola’s plans at Manchester City, a move is surely on the cards this summer.
Yes, Bony’s former club Swansea City are interested. But after a couple of dispiriting campaigns in the Prem, a switch to the Champ could be just what the 28-year-old needs to revive his career.
Admittedly he’d be likely to cost a fair bit, but with a loan deal for the player not inconceivable and a potential £20m+ to play with if Wood exits, Bony and Leeds could well prove a good fit.
Next up for Leeds United is a home game against Fulham on Tuesday Night, with 29/20 for the Whites to enjoy victory.
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
