Bournemouth attacker Marc Pugh was linked with Leeds less than two years ago.
Leeds United’s summer influx of talent from overseas was always going to lead to one thing. A mass exodus of players is likely to take shape at Elland Road this summer, with such a big squad at Paul Heckingbottom’s disposal.
The likes of Pawel Cibicki, Hadi Sacko, Mateusz Klich, Ouasim Buoy and Madger Gomes were all signed last summer but have hardly had a sniff of first-team football.
Since the appointment of Heckingbottom, Leeds have given a number of their young stars a chance to shine and a handful have impressed enough to warrant an extended stay in the first team – Paudie O’Connor and Tom Pearce are examples.
Offloading a number of stars is key this summer, and it appears that the flanks are likely to see the biggest reshaping this summer. With Cibicki and Sacko likely to be transfer-listed, doubts remain over Stuart Dallas.
If the trio are no longer at Leeds, then Heckingbottom must look to add an exciting Championship winger to his ranks that can finally add a bit of a threat going forward. Ezgjan Alioski has done that in glimpses, but not consistently.
The Yorkshire Post reported back in 2016 that Leeds were interesting in signing AFC Bournemouth attacker Marc Pugh, and now the 31-year-old is available on a free transfer this summer.
Pugh has fallen down the pecking order under Eddie Howe, with preference given to the likes of Ryan Fraser, Josh King and Jordan Ibe. But he has still managed 19 Premier League appearances this term.
Boasting speed, an eye for goal and a hard-working persona on the pitch, Pugh possesses all the traits to thrive at Elland Road. On a free, Leeds would be picking up a major coup in Pugh.
With 14 goals and nine assists in 84 Championship appearances, Pugh has a hand in one goal just over every three games and adding him to the Leeds attack would strike fear into defences.
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