Why Leeds United have missed a trick by not signing Ze Luis in January
Leeds United have struggled to hit their best form so far in 2019. The Whites came into the New Year in great form and looked like pushing on under Marcelo Bielsa, with promotion to the top-flight their sole aim. Whilst they still sit in a strong position, Marcelo Bielsa’s side have won just twice in their last six games.
Leeds United were beaten fair and square by their promotion rivals Norwich City last weekend, with Daniel Farke’s Canaries going top of the Championship table. After given absolute hiding at home by Norwich, Bielsa will expect a response from his team.
The West Yorkshire outfit did manage to bring in two players during the January transfer window in the form of Kiko Casilla and Mateusz Bogusz. But have they committed a big blunder by missing out on Spartak Moscow hitman Ze Luis?
Ze Luis, 28, was heavily linked with a move to Leeds United in January. As per the Championat, Leeds were ready to pay €12million for the Cape Verde international, but Spartak weren’t prepared to sell, so a deal never materialised.
Bielsa’s side have fallen away a bit in front of goal, casting doubt on their Premier League credentials. Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford certainly need more assistance upfront and hence, having a player of Ze Luis’ quality would have made such a difference for Leeds.
Ze Luis has been in good form for Spartak Moscow this season, bagging seven goals in 14 league games and three in the Europa League. He is an all-round forward who can play in different positions across the frontline and would have brought plenty of pace, dynamism, physicality and a much-needed freshness to the attack.
Excellent in the air and a predator in the box, the former Benfica man would have given an entirely different option up front. He could have been an inspired signing for Leeds, giving them a bit of feistiness in the team as well.
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With Leeds struggling for form at the moment, the upcoming few fixtures will be very crucial for Bielsa in the hunt for automatic promotion. Only time will tell if Leeds did miss a trick by not signing Ze Luis but after seeing the team get a bit worn out in 2019, the signs are not too encouraging.