Phil Hay shares Jesse Marsch news on Victor Orta meeting for ‘glaring’ Leeds United striker need
Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch has suggested that more attackers and specifically a new striker could be on the cards at the club according to Phil Hay.
The American is due for a scouting meeting with director of football Victor Orta and goal-scoring reinforcements may be on the agenda.
Patrick Bamford has been ruled out for at least six weeks in the latest significant injury set back for the Whites’ main forward, and there is a growing acceptance that Brazilian winger Raphinha will not be at the club long-term.
Speaking on The Phil Hay Show (1 April), The Athletic‘s Leeds reporter said: “I asked Marsch today, ‘Do you think for the forwards you’re going to need more, not to replace Bamford but to supplement him?’
“He said that he’s due to have a scouting meeting with Victor Orta next week.
“He did touch on the fact that yes there could be scope for more attackers, and there could be scope specifically for another number nine.
“I think with Bamford missing, the need for that is pretty glaring.”
Firepower
The personnel up front has been an issue all year, not least because of the extensive injury issues for Bamford.
Tyler Roberts has also suffered a major injury, but was struggling to have an impact under Marcelo Bielsa anyway.
Dan James has often been tried as a number nine, but does not look suited to the role.
The field has cleared for Joe Gelhardt to finally stake his claim for the position.
His dramatic injury-time winner against Norwich was a good start, but it would be a lot to ask the 19-year-old to shoulder the responsibility entirely.
Rodrigo has shown signs of becoming the player the club wanted when they bought him, but it appears that the decision-makers want to bring in more striking options.
With so much talk recently of big-money exits from the club, it will please fans for attention to begin turning to how the team will be strengthened.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay stood up for Fabrizio Romano in the face of criticism over the Raphinha to Barcelona saga.