Despite Leeds United being “very serious” about their interest in Stuttgart striker Nicolas Gonzalez, a move for the Argentine is unlikely, says Stuttgart’s sporting director Sven Mislintat.
Leeds United’s Move for Nicolas Gonzalez Unlikely
Striker Reinforcements Needed
Although they eventually stormed to the Championship title last season, Leeds became heavily reliant on Patrick Bamford up front. The loan signing of Jean-Kevin Augustin in January was meant to relieve some of the burden, but the Frenchman struggled with injury during his short time in Yorkshire and failed to make any impact.
Going into their first Premier League season in 16 years, Leeds are going to need some further options up front. Bamford deserves another shot at the Premier League but the fact that he has had top-flight moves before and failed to grasp them must be a worry in the back of Leeds fans’ minds.
Gonzalez scored 14 times last season to help Stuttgart return to the Bundesliga having originally arrived from Argentinos Jrs for £7.65 million. He would represent a good option for Leeds, but Mislintat does not picture the 22-year-old leaving despite the heavy interest.
He told the Yorkshire Evening Post: “I don’t see [a departure] coming for now.
“We had a lot of rumours in the beginning. It was very serious with Leeds. But at no point was it really convincing for him or us.”
Other Options for Leeds
Marcelo Bielsa’s side are being linked with plenty of other moves due to it looking likely they will miss out on Gonzalez.
They were reported to be looking at Brentford front man Ollie Watkins, although the Yorkshire Evening Post reports that Aston Villa are better-placed and are likely to beat both Leeds and Leicester City to his signature.
The Daily Express also reports that Leeds are showing an interest in Valencia forward Rodrigo Moreno and could land him for at little as £22.5 million.
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