Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing striker Moussa Konate this summer.
While it has been a common theme for Leeds fans to struggle to pick out a man of the match from their games throughout 2018, the reason it was so difficult at the weekend was completely different to why it proved so problematic during the second-half of last season.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side were exceptional against Stoke. The Potters have been tipped by many to win the Championship title this term, but a stunning performance from the home side saw Leeds kick off the campaign with a 3-1 win.
The player who was voted man of the match was Kemar Roofe after arguably his best ever performance for the Whites. Roofe got the nod ahead of big-money signing Patrick Bamford and he took his opportunity with both hands, defending from the front and causing Stoke’s defenders all sorts of problems.
Nevertheless, it appears that the club may have their eye on strengthening their attacking options further, with French outlet L’Equipe reporting that Leeds are amongst the clubs interested in signing Moussa Konate from Ligue 1 side Amiens.
Konate scored 13 times in Ligue 1 last season to finish as Amiens’ top goalscorer by quite some distance. It seems unlikely therefore, that they would be willing to agree a cut-price deal for the 25-year-old.
And when you consider that France Football reported in June that Amiens wanted £13.4 million for the striker – who was attracting Premier League attention – it is difficult to imagine that Leeds stand a good chance of landing the Senegal international this summer.
Given Andrea Radrizzani’s recent comments to the Yorkshire Evening Post about selling Ronaldo Vieira, it is hard to see Leeds deciding to commit to spending over £20 million – Bamford’s move cost an initial £7 million but could rise to £10 million, according to the Daily Mail – on two new strikers when Bielsa seems to favour a system that only involves one player leading the line.
The reports regarding Konate’s asking price could ultimately be wide of the mark, especially now that we are nearly two months down the line. However, if they are correct, then it surely appears extremely unlikely that he will be heading to Leeds.
Roofe’s display against Stoke coupled with Bamford’s arrival and Bielsa’s ability to call upon some very talented young forwards if required suggests that Leeds only need to go back into the market for another striker if something special comes along. Konate is a real talent, but it would be a major surprise if the club deemed him to be special enough to convince them to part with an eight-figure fee.
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