Leeds United fans divided at the prospect of welcoming back Bournemouth’s Max Gradel

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Max Gradel shone at Leeds United but injuries have taken their toll and wrecked his chances at Bournemouth.

Just two years ago, Max Gradel’s career trajectory was showing no signs of levelling out. Only Andre-Pierre Gignac, Alexandre Lacazette, Edinson Cavani and a certain Zlatan Ibrahimovic netted more Ligue 1 goals than the St Etienne talisman in 2014/15.

Since then, however, it’s fair to say his career has gone downhill and quickly. Gradel has only hit the back of the net once in the last two seasons and is yet to start a single league game for current club Bournemouth in the entire campaign.

It’s no surprise, then, that the Ivory Coast international is looking for a change, as reported by the BBC. They claim that Bournemouth are keen to keep hold of Gradel despite his two years on the south coast being ravaged by injuries.

Yet, the 29-year-old is reportedly concerned about his lack of opportunities at the Vitality Stadium. Inevitably, therefore, speculation has intensified linking him with an emotional return to the club where it all began.

To say Gradel was a fans’ favourite at Leeds United would be an understatement. In the 14 bleak years after suffering relegation from the Premier League, their magical little winger provided a real spark of optimism.

After netting 18 Championship goals to almost inspire Leeds into the play-offs in 2010/11, Gradel lifted both the Players’ and Fans’ Player of the Year award.

Though, in the six years since, times have changed and injuries have taken effect. Therefore, the Leeds fans appear to be divided between their head and their heart when discussing the prospect of a second spell in West Yorkshire.