Leeds United are search for Chris Wood’s replacement and the Brighton & Hove Albion striker could be worth a look.
Chris Wood’s sale to Burnley has left Leeds United with 10 full days in which to secure a replacement.
Several options have already been discussed, while it is claimed that a £6 million bid for Middlesbrough’s Rudy Gestede was made – and turned down – hours after Wood’s departure.
But could another striker, Brighton & Hove Albion’s Tomer Hemed, also come under consideration? He could be ideal…
Tomer Hemed in action for Brighton against Manchester City
What’s his situation?
Hemed is in the final year of his contract at Brighton and has already attracted two bids from Leeds promotion rivals Reading this summer – the first one of which was said to be worth £4 million (Reading Chronicle). And while Brighton have been reluctant to lose the Israeli, who was one of only three recognised strikers on the books until Monday’s capture of Raphael Dwamena, their stance could change if he falls further down the pecking order.
What would he bring to Leeds?
Promoted with Brighton – for whom he has scored 31 goals in 90 games, including three in three against Leeds – and a regular in Spain’s La Liga before then, Hemed is the calibre of player the Whites should be targeting as Wood’s replacement. Like the New Zealander, he is strong, has good awareness in the box and scores goals equally well with head and foot. Having only turned 30 in May, there’s perhaps a few seasons left in him yet.
Are there any obstacles?
Tomer Hemed scores for Brighton against Leeds
Getting Brighton to sell is perhaps the main one, although this should become easier the more reinforcements they make. Interest from other clubs, i.e. Reading, could complicate matters, although the lure of Leeds United should be enough to see off most, if not all suitors at Championship level. But would he drop down the second tier?
Should Leeds make a move for Brighton’s Hemed?
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