Leeds United transfers as Real Madrid link re-emerges amid Brighton and Sunderland competition
Leeds United could enter the January transfer market to address their goalscoring problem.
Leeds United have been freshly linked with interest in a young Real Madrid star who could be set for a January loan move.
So far, goals and creativity have been a major issue for Leeds with no one scoring more than twice in 11 Premier League games. Sean Longstaff has the most direct contributions with one goal and two assists, both of which were corners for centre-back Joe Rodon.
Leeds spent just £18million on their attack in the summer, all of which went on prying Noah Okafor away from AC Milan while Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha both arrived for free. With the latter pair and Joel Piroe on board, the No.9 position looks just about strong enough but quality across the front three would be welcomed.
The Daily Mail now reports Gonzalo Garcia could be sent out on loan once the January window opens in a bid to provide more senior exposure - with Leeds among a trio of potential Premier League suitors. Brighton and Hove Albion are said to be emerging as candidates to take the Spaniard on board for the second-half of the season, having reportedly sounded out his availability.
Garcia recently insisted he was happy to fight for minutes under Alonso, telling Spanish outlet Marca: “My only option has always been to stay at Real Madrid. For me, it's a dream to be part of the first team.” However the report adds Madrid chiefs could make a decision for him, if they feel a short-term loan is best for his immediate development.
The report adds that several English clubs are keen on a potential loan, with Leeds and Sunderland to have ‘showed interest’ in the summer. It remains to be seen if that interest will be reignited should Madrid make it known they are open to a temporary deal, with attacking reinforcements still needed at Elland Road.
Who is Real Madrid star Gonzalo Garcia amid fresh Leeds United links?
Garcia burst onto the scene over the summer after finishing as top-scorer in the Club World Cup with four goals and one assist. The striker was called up to the first-team by Xabi Alonso after netting an impressive 25 times last season for Madrid’s reserve team Castilla, who play in Spain’s third tier.
That Club World Cup form earned him a new contract and permanent promotion to the Madrid first-team, but minutes have been hard to come by in the star-studded team. All but one of the 21-year-old’s seven La Liga appearances have come from the bench and he’s only played 112 minutes across all competitions.
Garcia is naturally a striker but equally comfortable out wide, with appearances split across the forward line. According to Transfermarkt, the youngster has played 33 games at No.9 with Madrid and Castilla, turning out 32 times on the right-wing and 24 times at left-wing.
There was plenty of summer interest in Garcia who reportedly had a €50million (£44m) release clause in his previous contract, albeit that was not met. The forward swiftly signed a new deal which runs until 2030 and has a whopping €1billion exit clause, although such price-tags are generally set to ensure the club can never be forced into a sale.