Why Leeds must keep Burnley target Mateusz Klich at all costs

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Leeds United midfielder Mateusz Klich is reportedly attracting attention from one Premier League side this summer.

Leeds fans are becoming used to seeing their players linked with moves away from Elland Road this summer, and at the weekend, Mateusz Klich became the latest to be tipped for a potential switch, with The Sun suggesting that Burnley want the Poland international.

Klich has had two very contrasting years with the Championship side. He was outstanding last season, while the only highlight during his first campaign in England actually came in a cup tie with Burnley, where he was superb and went on to score one of the classiest penalties you are likely to see.

Leeds could have a decision to make on his future this summer however, with the Clarets reportedly interested in the 29-year-old. But should a bid come in, United’s decision should arguably be quite obvious for a number of reasons.

His goals and assists

Klich scored 10 goals and contributed nine assists in the Championship last season. Only two teammates scored more, while it was only Pablo Hernandez who set up more goals. There were some incredible finishes along the way – the strike against Derby at Pride Park and the equaliser at Sheffield Wednesday both stick out.

Leeds’ record during the previous season highlights how difficult it could be to find those numbers from elsewhere. United’s top goalscorer finished on 11 league goals, and no player provided more than eight assists.

Setting the tone

With Leeds going into the season off the back of a disappointing campaign and Stoke just coming down from the Premier League, the opening day had the potential to be a nightmare start for Marcelo Bielsa. But United produced something special, and it was Klich – who many expected to probably leave during the summer – who set the tone by scoring the opening goal in the sensational win.

A few days later, he was at it again by scoring that stunning opener away at Derby. He also broke the deadlock in the 3-0 win away at Norwich before the first month of the campaign had concluded. Few players made as emphatic a statement as Klich, and Leeds will be desperately hoping that he can do similar this time around.

His value

While Klich was one of Bielsa’s greatest revelations last season, Leeds may do well to be offered a transfer fee that reflects how important he is to the current team.

Klich is 29 and Burnley are hardly amongst the big spenders in the Premier League, so the Clarets will surely be looking to drive a hard bargain.

Replacing the quality that Klich provides is probably going to cost a lot more than what Burnley will want to pay. Leeds must not play ball and must get on with extending the midfielder’s contract to shut down the talk about his future.