Should Leeds United enter race for Ezequiel Ponce?
A striker signed by Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa last summer at Lille has been made available again by Roma.
Argentine prospect Ezequiel Ponce is being courted by AEK Athens, with talks at an advanced stage, claim Greek outlet On Sports.
RSIJKMoma sporting director Monchi is quoted by Football Italia: “I don’t like to talk about negotiations like this where there are no definitive developments yet, but it is true that AEK are interested in our player.”
Leeds boss Bielsa should consider making a late move himself for Ponce, despite the Argentine’s modest spell at Lille, where he was used mainly as a late substitute, scoring four goals.
Ponce was regarded as Argentine football’s big hope when his career began, described as the ‘next Batistuta’ and wanted by Tottenham, before sealing a switch to Roma.
A serious knee injury knocked his progress back, and he is now looking to get back on track.
Ponce spoke highly of Bielsa when he signed for Lille last summer, telling Get Football France: “I am also delighted to be part of the team of Marcelo Bielsa who coached in the past with Newell’s, my previous club. He is a coach who has already proved that he knows how to evolve young people like me.”
Leeds do have young strike talents like Tyler Roberts and Oliver Sarkic at their disposal, and want a high profile addition like Abel Hernandez or Matej Vydra.
If this means Leeds have no need for Ponce then so be it, but it would not be a surprise to see Bielsa renew interest if he believes the striker can offer a different option to what he has.
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