Andrea Radrizzani has suggested that Leeds United will only bring the right striker into the club this summer after failing to land Charles De Ketelaere.
Leeds have got the bulk of their business done early, with Radrizzani outlining how missing out on De Ketelaere to AC Milan is the only deal they’ve failed to get over the line.
A new striker remains something fans are thirsty to see in the final month of the summer, although Radrizzani has cooled speculation by suggesting they won’t be making a signing for the sake of it.
In an interview with The Athletic, Radrizzani offered a real insight into where Leeds’ thinking was with regard to a striker coming into the club.
Radrizzani has Patrick Bamford to consider, whilst there’s an eagerness to not stunt the growth of Joe Gelhardt after he signed a five-year deal with the club last week.
“I have a lot of confidence in ‘Joffy’ Gelhardt and Patrick Bamford coming back this season but we’re actively monitoring and discussing with Jesse (Marsch) and Victor (Orta). We don’t have to do a deal at any cost. Charles De Ketelaere was a special player. We were all in agreement to make a big effort. With other players, unless we are convinced 100 per cent that we improve, we don’t move.”
Bamford missed the bulk of last season with injury, whilst Gelhardt emerged through the U23s.
Daniel James was forced to play out of position as a No.9 for a lot of the campaign, an experiment that didn’t wholly convince.
Quiz: Has Patrick Bamford scored more or less Leeds United goals than these 15 former players?
Radrizzani is tapering expectations here with Leeds’ fans.
De Ketelaere was the player they wanted and they’ve not got him. That kind of club-record fee won’t be pushed out on a player that Leeds aren’t 100% sure on.
However, looking at Leeds’ squad, it’s still badly reliant on Bamford and, given his injury record, it’s a massive worry.
Looking at Radrizzani’s quotes, they leave you unconvinced that Leeds are going to truly push the boat out on a De Ketelaere alternative.
There might be a trick up the club’s sleeve yet, and the start to the season will probably be a big factor in whether they act. But after Radrizzani’s comments, you can’t help but be less convinced something will happen.
Do Leeds need to sign another striker this summer?
Yes
No
