Leeds United ‘dodge a bullet’ as record-breaking Latte Lath deal agreed
Daniel Farke has remained coy about transfer movement at Elland Road throughout the winter window.
However, with the German hoping to push his side up to the Premier League through an automatic promotion spot, the boss would certainly be eager to take anyone who could improve his side’s chances.
Furthermore, with both Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph struggling to get in consistent goal-scoring form this term, attacking reinforcements would certainly be welcome in West Yorkshire.
One man who looked as though he could solve these issues was Emmanuel Latte Lath who the Whites have been linked with throughout the window (Leeds United News).
With 11 goals and three assists in the Championship this term, the Middlesbrough number nine has been attracting interest from a number of clubs including Ipswich Town, Leicester City and West Ham.
The Whites were said to be considering a bid for the striker [Leeds United News, 7 January] and despite bids from elsewhere, Farke’s side remained interested in a transfer move [Daily Mail Sport, 13 January].
However, the Daily Mirror reported in its print edition (31 January, page 56) that Latte Lath is set to join Atlanta in a record-breaking £22.5million deal, seemingly bringing the transfer saga to an end.
Leeds United dodge a bullet with Emmanuel Latte Lath deal
There’s no doubt that Latte Lath is a great striker and would likely replicate, if not beat, the 16 goals he netted last term so if the Whites had got him, he surely would have been a strong addition.
However, given a deal has been reportedly struck at £22.5m, Farke’s side should certainly be looking at that price tag with a sense of relief as that is a high fee for a second-tier striker.
Although Leeds’ current strikers have struggled to find consistent form this term, Piroe has contributed just one goal less than Latte Lath this term while also providing two more assists which perhaps puts in perspective the high price tag on the Middlesbrough man. It does feel like they might have dodged a bullet.
Therefore, this isn’t one worth crying over for the West Yorkshire outfit and instead, the manager may be keen to focus his attention on how to get the highest levels out of those players he already has in his ranks.
If the Whites achieve their aims of promotion back to the top flight, they will certainly be eager to spend their money on higher-quality players in the summer transfer window.
In other Leeds news, an update has been shared on the Whites’ pursuit of Matt Targett.
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