Leeds are interested in a swoop for Udinese midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, according to the Telegraph.
They claim a deal would cost at least £25 million, which indicates the new ball park Marcelo Bielsa’s side are now playing in.
We think he’d be a great addition to the ranks at Elland Road and have looked at three ways he could have a huge impact.
Goals and assists
No midfielder in Serie A has a better output in terms of goals and assists since 2018/19 than de Paul.
That shows he’s not just a technically gifted player, he’s one which can actually put points on the board for Bielsa’s men.
Plenty of pressure has fallen on Patrick Bamford to strike during Bielsa’s reign, so adding another proven goalscorer in another position should ease the pressure on the Englishman.
Hernandez replacement
The difference Pablo Hernandez makes to Leeds is massive.
They don’t anybody else who offers what he can in terms of quality and vision.
Unfortunately, his advancing years mean he can’t play every week, but de Paul is in the prime of his career and can.
Leeds would be a different animal with a designated playmaker capable of playing week in, week out.
Confirm Leeds’ new status
Leeds took a huge step to reaffirming their status by signing Spain’s first-choice striker, Rodrigo.
Buying another proven international in the prime of his career would take that transformation onto the next level.
Fanta Calcio report a fee has been agreed between the clubs, so it’s just a case of convincing de Paul himself.
It would be hugely promising if Leeds could convince him to leave Serie A and confirm the new standing they find themselves on.
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