Leeds United’s hunt for a new striker is set to continue after Arnaud Kalimuendo joined Stade Rennes.
The French striker had been on Leeds’ radar for a few months, and the Whites had reportedly bid £20m for his services, but, sadly for the Whites, he’s opted to remain in Ligue 1.
The striker has joined his new club for a reported fee of €25m (£21m).
Leeds have now officially missed out on the ‘complete’ striker, and this may be one that haunts them for years to come.
Kalimuendo, at the age of just 20, hit double figures in Ligue 1 last season, and after coming through the PSG academy, it looks as though he has the talent to take him to the very top.
Interestingly, the fact that he’s signed for Rennes backs up the claim that he has incredibly high potential.
Indeed, Rennes have been one of the best clubs in Europe when it comes to picking out and producing talented young players in recent years, with the likes of Ousmane Dembele, Eduardo Camavinga, Ismaila Sarr and, as Leeds fans will know, Raphinha all passing through the French club’s ranks.
Leeds haven’t had the best of luck this summer when it comes to pursuing new striker options. They missed out on Charles De Ketelaere, despite their best efforts, and now, Kalimuendo has also snubbed a move to Elland Road.
With Patrick Bamford still the Whites’ only senior recognised number nine, the Yorkshire club need to get a move on and land a backup option to the England international.
If Bamford’s injury problems flare up again, the Whites will be in trouble, and signing a player like Kalimuendo would have gone a long way towards alleviating some of those concerns.
Sadly, Kalimuendo has gone elsewhere, and Leeds’ hunt for a new number nine continues.
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