The 26-year-old reportedly close to a Leeds United move, but what would that mean for a certain £3m attacker?
According to Romanian outlet Digi Sport, Leeds United are “very close” to reaching an agreement with Stuttgart for the signing of Alexandru Maxim this summer.
The 26-year-old attacker, who made 25 appearances last term, managed five goals and seven assists in helping the German outfit win promotion back to the Bundesliga this past season.
Two goals and four of his assists came from a left-wing role (according to Transfermarkt) and this could breed complications if Leeds intend on using him there – and if they sign him, of course.
Kemar Roofe was predominantly used on United’s left wing last season, to mixed reviews it must be said.
Roofe, who joined for £3 million last summer under Garry Monk, was a hit with fans but his productivity could have been better, with the 24-year-old scoring three times and creating seven goals in 42 Championship appearances – 28 were starts.
He joined Leeds as a striker after netting 26 times in his last season with Oxford United and if Maxim is signed then perhaps United’s next manager will use him in a centre-forward role once again.
With Chris Wood netting 30 goals last season, Roofe is unlikely to displace the towering New Zealand marksman, but he could be an ideal plan-b option if and when the plan-a of Wood is ineffective.
He is a right-footed player, but right wing is unlikely to be an option for him following the £2 million permanent signing of Hadi Sacko. Roofe did impress in a number 10 role at times last season, but primarily when Spanish maestro Pablo Hernandez was unavailable.
Leeds lost four of their last eight Championship games in a run of form which cost them a playoff spot – three of those defeats were by a one-goal margin. Wood started and finished all four and yet failed to find the net in any of them.
If that does not underline the importance of a plan-b striker then nothing will, but is Roofe the answer? Time will tell.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
