‘Leeds will be in trouble’ – Exclusive: Pundit sends striker warning as move reportedly ‘closer’
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson has said that “Leeds will be in trouble” in the Premier League if they don’t sign someone who can convert chances.
He said the striker that Leeds sign needs to be able to hit the ground running and score 15+ goals in the Premier League.
Leeds have been linked with a number of big-name forwards, including Michy Batshuayi, Divock Origi and Rodrigo.
Rodrigo has been making the most headlines over the past few days, with Super Deporte reporting a move was getting closer with the clubs in talks and Leeds speaking to Rodrigo’s father about a contract.
However, while Robinson is convinced that he’s at the level Leeds need to be looking at, he’s concerned about his ability to come in and score goals from the off.
Talking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said, “Rodrigo is interesting and it’s players of that ilk who you want to see being linked with Leeds.
“Premier League experience would be good but players at that level… He’s a Spain international and the sort of fee he’d command, they’re the players that Leeds need.
“But Leeds need a 15/20+ goal striker and they’re going to have to score goals next season.
“They play open, they play attacking, they press high and the defence is going to be up against a very different level of test next season. They’re going to need someone to convert the chances.
“They were creating between five and 15 chances in the Championship last season and scoring one or two goals. In the Premier League, that’s going to be between zero and five chances and if they’re not scoring at least one of them then Leeds will be in trouble.
“Leeds need goals. Anyone at Rodrigo’s level… Leeds scout very carefully but they messed up with Jean-Kevin Augustin. He wasn’t ready and couldn’t get to the level Bielsa demands.
“Rodrigo has had a few injuries and missed the last few games of last season. Anyone who comes in will have to be Bielsa ready – that’s essential.”
Rodrigo has scored 112 goals in 381 games and might not be the prolific goal-scorer that Leeds need.
He has obvious quality and 22 caps for Spain but also suffered from a recurring knee injury in the 19/20 season.
Plenty of Leeds fans are keen on the player but he does come with caveats.
In other Leeds United news, Leeds talking to father of top striker target, player could agree terms of deal today – report