Leeds Eye Bamford Replacement In £66k-p/w “Machine”

Leeds United are reportedly exhibiting an curiosity in making an bold transfer to land RB Leipzig ahead, Yussuf Poulsen, with the Elland Street outfit nonetheless but to strengthen their ranks this summer season forward of their return to the Championship.

What are the most recent Leeds switch rumours?

In line with journalist Simon Jones for The Mail+, newly-appointed boss Daniel Farke is eager to bolster his centre-forward ranks having been ‘discussing’ attainable striker targets with the membership in each Europe and South America.

As per the report, the 70-cap Denmark international is among the choices being thought of by the Yorkshire giants, with the 29-year-old – who has spent the final decade with the Bundesliga outfit – having only a 12 months left to run on his existing contract.

Because the piece additionally notes, this seek for a brand new quantity 9 has include Patrick Bamford seemingly ‘prepared to depart the membership’ after enduring an injury-hit final two seasons with the Whites.

Who’s Yussuf Poulsen?

Whereas because the above report states, the 6 foot 4 marksman is ‘not prolific’ – having scored simply two league goals final season – he nonetheless boasts a wealth of expertise for each membership and nation, having notably gained two German Cups throughout his stint in Leipzig.

Having been a part of his present membership’s speedy stand up via the divisions after becoming a member of from Danish aspect Lyngby in 2013, the towering hitman does boast a good tally of 85 goals and 63 assists in 358 video games for the Bundesliga aspect, having additionally featured on the flanks at instances through the years.

Because the aforementioned Jones additionally acknowledged, the foremost advantage of bringing Poulsen into the fold for Farke could be because of his hard-working nature, having been hailed as a “machine” by his present teammate, Willi Orban.

That prepared work ethic has additionally led to the Copenhagen native receiving reward from former Leipzig boss Alexander Zorniger, who has beforehand acknowledged: “He all the time pushes himself past his limits, and embodies dynamism, want, and a willingness to be taught. When he cannot do anymore, that is after I know he has completely nothing left within the tank.”

The identical can seemingly not be stated for Bamford, with the Englishman having repeatedly broken down with injury in current instances, guaranteeing that he made simply 37 Premier League outings throughout the final two seasons mixed – solely 25 of which got here from the beginning.

The obvious distinction in work ethic between the 29-year-old and Poulsen is evidenced by the truth that the latter man notably ranks in the top 7% amongst his European friends for tackles made and aerial duels gained, in addition to within the high 6% for blocks made.

The present Leeds man, against this, doesn’t seem to share that want to defend from the entrance as he ranks in just the bottom 40% for tackles and solely the highest 42% for aerial duels gained, in addition to rating in simply the highest 41% for blocks.

With Bamford additionally hardly proving prolific himself of late – with simply six league goals to his identify because the begin of the 2021/22 marketing campaign, fewer than the Dane has achieved (eight) – it does seem {that a} recent begin is required, one thing that may very well be hastened by Poulsen’s arrival.

As such, the signing of the £66k-per-week ace may little doubt spell unhealthy information for Bamford’s future at Elland Street…