Leeds United have been linked with making a move for a new striker during the January transfer window.
A report in The Sun has suggested that Leeds United are now in talks to sign West Ham United striker Ashley Fletcher during the January transfer window.
But what does the Whites’ track record look like when it comes to signing forwards since their relegation from the Premier League in 2004? While there have been several disappointing acquisitions, there have also been some astute pieces of business along the way.
Here is part one of HITC Sport’s look at Leeds’ top 15 striker signings in the last 12 years…
15. Brian Deane
Brian Deane
Billy Sharp’s switch to Elland Road in 2014 should have been a match made in heaven. The former Southampton man had been excellent when he had previously played in the Championship, so appeared destined to enjoy a brilliant spell with Leeds. However, for whatever reason, it never quite happened for Sharp so he just misses out on making the list with Brian Deane instead being the man to take a spot.
Their records were fairly similar, but given that Deane was returning to the club, and swiftly approaching the end of his playing career – he was 36 when he re-signed – his return of six goals in 31 league games is slightly more impressive than Sharp’s five in 33 league appearances.
The highlight of his return undoubtedly came in the 6-1 thrashing of Queens Park Rangers in November 2004.
14. Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake
Robbie Blake’s goal to games ratio may not be the most impressive, but it must be remembered that he was not an automatic starter and would often be deployed in a wider role. His 11 goals during the 2005/06 season helped Leeds reach the play-off final, though they were soundly beaten 3-0 by Watford.
13. Tresor Kandol
Tresor Kandol
Though Kandol’s record is similar to Blake’s, he arguably deserves plenty of credit for the form he showed when Leeds began the 2007/08 season on -15 points in League One. His five goals in the first six league games helped the Whites move onto three points in the quickest time possible.
12. Dougie Freedman
Dougie Freedman
Dougie Freedman may have only made 14 appearances in a Leeds shirt, but the impact he made during his loan spell in 2008 nearly ensured the club’s return to the second tier. He scored six times for the Peacocks, including a brace in the 3-2 win over Carlisle, and a goal in the play-off semi-final defeat against the same opponents. A win in the second-leg ensured that Freedman’s goal in the previous game was a vital one.
11. Davide Somma
Davide Somma
Davide Somma’s Leeds career appeared to be over before it had begun when he was loaned out to Chesterfield and Lincoln without making an appearance for the Whites. However, a brilliant time with the latter led to him being given a chance upon his return. Had it not been for injuries, Somma would no doubt boast a much better record than 12 goals in 31 Championship games and he would have surely found himself much higher on this list.
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