Report: Leeds United want Pierre-Michel Lasogga on loan with option to buy

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Hamburg striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga could be the latest new face at Leeds United this summer.

Pierre-Michel Lasogga’s move to Leeds United from Hamburg appears to be getting closer by the day.

According to German newspaper Die Welt, the centre-forward travelled to West Yorkshire to watch The Whites’ goalless draw with Preston North End at Elland Road on Saturday while negotiating a potential switch to the English Championship.

And Hamburger Morgenpost reports that Lasogga would jump at the chance of moving to Leeds this summer. Which is just as well as Hamburg are keen on getting one of the highest earners off their wage bill.

While Lasogga’s hefty wages and questionable goal record, amounting to 13 in his last 76 Bundesliga appearances, may raise a few concerns, it appears that the structure of the deal could lessen the risk on Leeds’ part.

Because Die Welt adds that Leeds want to sign Lasogga on loan for the season with an option to buy him at the end of the campaign.

Reducing the risk

Therefore, if the 25-year-old thrives at Elland Road, rediscovering the clinical form that resulted in 13 goals in just 18 league starts for Hamburg in 2013/14, Thomas Christiansen’s side could sign him permanently knowing that he has the ability to thrive in England’s second tier.

However, if Lasogga proves to be an expensive flop, Leeds can ship him back to Germany without burning a hole in their pocket.

A top heavy and naturally powerful centre-forward, Lasogga is a fearsome frontman on his day blessed with a thunderbolt strike. However, injuries have taken their toll in the last few seasons, meaning it makes perfect sense for Leeds to approach the deal in a cautious manner.