Leeds United could probably do with a new striker.
Indeed, Leeds’ xG shows that they’re having some serious trouble with converting their chances into goals, but fortunately, it seems that some backup firepower is on its way.
The Yorkshire club have recently been linked with a move for Standard Liege striker Renaud Emond in recent days, and he could be exactly what United need.
It’s a more than encouraging sign that Emond is scoring at a better rate than Kemar Roofe currently is in the Belgian League, but at the age of 28, you have to ask why he hasn’t played at a higher level yet.
Signing a player from Belgium when you’re a team with Premier League ambitions is a bit of a risk, but with The Sun suggesting that Leeds may only have to pay £3m for his services this could be a worthwhile signing.
We asked our team of writers to give their verdicts on whether or not Leeds should sign Emond.
Vijievan Jeevathayalan
“Whilst Renaud Emond is enjoying a fine campaign with Standard Liege this season, it would be a wild stab in the dark for Leeds to think about signing him. The 28-year-old has netted seven times in 14 games in the Belgian top-flight, and has captained the side on several occasions.
“Add to that his experience of playing in the Europa League this year, and the Whites’ interest in the centre-forward appears to be shrewd. But bringing him in mid-season to try and boost their promotion chances risks upsetting the apple cart.
“Marcelo Bielsa’s side are on course to finally return to the Premier League, currently lying in first in the Championship.
“The logic behind wanting a new striker is understandable, with the side having scored just 32 times in 21 league games. But a move for Emond, who has never played in English football, just appears to be too much of a risk.”
Lewis Blain
“Marcelo Bielsa would be playing with fire if he were to even think about plumping for a striker that is unproven in English football.
“Renaud Emond may be outperforming former Whites star Kemar Roofe with seven goals in 14 matches but you only have to look at how Aston Villa’s club-record signing, Wesley, has done in the Premier League to know the risks that could follow.
“Before even thinking about signing a striker in January, the Leeds boss needs to give a fair crack of the whip to Eddie Nketiah, who can offer different attributes to Patrick Bamford. Therefore, Leeds should steer clear of this potential flop.”
Billy Meyers
“While Emond is looking fairly decent this season, this move poses a few risks for Leeds. For one, Belgian football is vastly different to the rigours of the Championship, and he may well struggle to get going, which is not what Marcelo Bielsa would want.
“From a business perspective, the forward is also 28 years of age and would not present long-term value, so if he does flop it seems likely that Leeds would be stuck with a dud who would also be difficult to move on.
“There are too many warning signs over this deal. Leeds have reportedly pulled out of the race to sign Dwight Gayle due to finances, but someone of his ilk would be a much better option than taking the plunge on an unknown quantity – Bielsa can’t afford to wait for someone to settle in during this promotion push.”
Charles Jones
“I think that Leeds would be taking a risk in signing Renaud Emond, but it’s one that very well could pay off.
“If Emond had this same scoring record in one of Europe’s top leagues, then this move would be a no-brainer, but he’s only doing it in Belgium, so it’s more than fair to have some reservations.
“However, the fact that he’s scoring at a better rate than Kemar Roofe is this season, and we all know how good Roofe was at Leeds last season, makes it eye-catching.
“At just £3m I think that this move could be a transfer gamble worth taking.”
In other news, Leeds fans have been fuming with one Graham Smyth tweet.
