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'Being linked...' - BBC pundit reacts to Leeds interest in 116-cap int'l ace
BBC 5 Live pundit Chris Sutton has expressed his disbelief at the prospect of Leeds United signing Zlatan Ibrahimovic this summer.
Elland Road chief Andrea Radrizzani sensationally revealed in an interview with Gianluca DiMarzio back in March that he had held talks with the enigmatic 116-cap Sweden international over a potential January move, as well as leaving the door open to another attempt at signing him in the future.
And Sutton has been bowled over by the notion of such a giant of the contemporary game pitching up in Yorkshire.
Speaking to the Daily Mail, when asked to sum up Leeds’ chances in the Premier League next season, the former Celtic striker said: “Both clubs [Leeds and West Brom] need to get their recruitment right.
“Leeds were the best team in the Championship by some way and won’t show any fear among the big boys. Marcelo Bielsa will have them organised and playing on the front foot.
“My only concern is their lack of strength in depth and that’s why signings are needed. But it’s exciting to have Leeds back after 16 years away.
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“They’re even being linked with Zlatan Ibrahimovic — imagine!”
To be fair to Sutton, we’d be more than a little dumbstruck if Zlatan rocked up at Elland Road this summer.
Like him or loathe him, there is no denying the hitman’s talent, and 363 goals and 142 assists in 551 career appearances speak for themselves.
Ibrahimovic is a giant character, an obsessive winner, and a genuine modern legend.
In those respects, he has an awful lot in common with Whites boss Marcelo Bielsa, but we would be inclined to argue that landing the Swede would be an even more audacious swoop than the one that brought the Argentine to Elland Road.
Whether it happens or not, only time will tell, but even if it doesn’t, the links are a fascinating insight into the size of Leeds’ ambitions.
In other Leeds United news, ‘Much better offer’: Club director claims Leeds have tabled big bid for £27m-rated int’l striker