Are the stars aligning for Leeds to sign Tottenham’s Fernando Llorente?
Leeds United appear set to appoint Marcelo Bielsa as manager, and several new signings will undoubtedly follow.
Striker is Leeds’ biggest weakness, and one of Bielsa’s former players would be a perfect fit.
Tottenham Hotspur’s Fernando Llorente is likely to be looking for a new club this summer after failing to impress in his limited starts in North London.
He scored 15 goals for Swansea in 2016/17 but only one Premier League goal last season as he struggled to dislodge Harry Kane.
The Independent recently reported Llorente is keen on a move away and Spurs would not fight it.
Playing for Marcelo Bielsa at Leeds again would be an ideal way for him to relaunch his career.
It was at Bielsa’s Athletic Bilbao where Llorente’s career really took off, where his performances earned him a call into the Spain international team.
He scored 118 goals for the club before signing for Juventus in 2013.
Llorente is 33 and this season showed he needs to play regularly, and take a step down.
Joining an ambitious Championship side pushing for promotion could be a lot more fun for him than battling for a struggling Premier League team fighting relegation.
Bielsa could tempt him by promising to make him Leeds’ first choice, and Llorente’s gangly and physical style means he will be suited for the sometimes rough nature of the Championship which has seen many foreign players come unstuck.
There would be obstacles, like Tottenham haggling for a fee, or wages, and a loan deal might be most plausible.
If there is a desire on the part of Bielsa and Llorente to make it happen, a move could be a big success for player and club.
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