Why Baghdad Bounedjah would be a fantastic signing for Leeds United
According to a report from Algerian outlet Le Buteur, Leeds United are planning a January swoop for Al Sadd star Baghdad Bounedjah. In fact, the report claims Leeds United had made an official bid in the summer to bring the striker to Elland Road, but it fell short of Al Sadd’s €15million asking price.
Baghdad Bounedjah, 27, has scored 55 times this year, including 28 goals in his last 14 league matches. And the Algerian’s rich goalscoring form should definitely convince Leeds to make an improved offer in January.
Leeds United are going strong this season, sitting second in the Championship table and just a point adrift of league leaders Norwich City. But the Whites are in need of some much-needed depth in their squad after a recent injury crisis has left Marcelo Bielsa’s side looking desperately thin heading into the festive period.
That said, Bielsa should prioritise signing a forward in the winter transfer window. Kemar Roofe has been a revelation under Bielsa, shouldering Leeds’ burden of scoring goals. But Roofe has found very little support from his fellow forwards, which has resulted in Leeds’ recent dip in form.
The Whites spent good money on Patrick Bamford in the summer but the fans have had only a glimpse of the striker since his arrival from Middlesbrough. Bamford’s long-term injury has certainly left Bielsa with very limited options in the attack and the Argentine tactician should persuade his club to spend big on Baghdad Bounedjah in January.
Baghdad Bounedjah has had a fantastic 2018 so far, scoring goals for fun at Qatari club Al Sadd. Standing just above 6ft, he is a physical forward who is aerially dominant and bullies defenders in the opposition box.
The 27-year-old is adept at working the channels in the final third with his quick and incisive passing and has a good eye for goal, making him a prolific goalscorer.
Bounedjah has good pace to work his way past the defenders, creating his own space by making sharp turns to open up those half spaces. He is deadly in front of the goal and would bring a different dimension to Leeds’ play in the final third.
Leeds clearly require attacking reinforcements to maintain their impressive performances and although the Algerian is not proven at the highest level, he will massively boost their promotion chances. At 27, Bounedjah is operating at the peak of his powers and signing him could prove to be a masterstroke for Bielsa’s side.
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Hence, Leeds must take the gamble on Baghdad Bounedjah by spending big on him in January.