Leeds are finally back in the big time and it did not take long after promotion was sealed for them to be linked with some huge names.
Andrea Radrizzani told Sky Italia – via TalkSport – that Uruguay superstar Edinson Cavani was one of the names he was considering this summer.
Cavani is available on a free transfer this summer, and let’s be clear, retains incredible quality.
But let’s not forget, we’re talking about a side managed by Marcelo Bielsa here. He is no respecter of reputations, and wants players who totally understand and commit to his ideas.
With that in mind, here’s why splashing out on Cavani’s huge wages may not be the best fit for Leeds this summer…
Cavani hadn’t been discussed with Bielsa
In that same interview mentioned above, Radrizzani admitted he hadn’t spoken to Bielsa about Cavani.
That’s a major hurdle which would need to be cleared. Bielsa needs players who can physically carry out his high tempo game.
The Argentine has shown with Jean-Kevin Augustin, who may end up being Leeds’ record signing, he doesn’t care about the money the club has paid, he will leave a player out if he can’t cope.
Cavani has quality, but at 33, can he put in the effort off the ball Bielsa demands? Bielsa certainly won’t compromise.
Wage structure
It would be more than likely Cavani would be the highest earner at Leeds, and by quite some distance.
That can create disharmony in a squad, and also create problems when a club wants to negotiate new contracts with its existing players.
Agents can ask for more, knowing that the wage ceiling is higher than it was before.
Having one star name earning miles more than the rest isn’t a recipe for success.
Could he play every week?
Cavani is 33 now, and if he came to Leeds, he would need to adjust not to the intensity of Bielsa’s demands, but also to English football.
With a hectic 2020/21 ahead, Bielsa needs fit players who he can trust to play three games a week, no problem.
That’s especially pertinent because of the shallow core group of players he usually relies on.
Cavani doesn’t fit the bill on that score – he would need to be managed carefully – and Bielsa will likely want a new frontman who can play most weeks.
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