Leeds United plot summer move to sign AZ Alkmaar forward Vangelis Pavlidis
By Ben Wylie
Leeds United are interested in signing forward Vangelis Pavlidis from Eredivisie club AZ Alkmaar, according to Jeunes Footeux.
The Whites are apparently keen to add yet another striker to their ranks, with injuries having plagued their forward line all season.
However, they will reportedly face competition from fellow Premier League club Aston Villa, as Unai Emery’s side also look to strengthen their attacking options.
Jeunes Footeux adds that AZ would want £21.9million (€25m) for Pavlidis.
Do Leeds need Pavlidis?
Pavlidis is a Greek international who as mentioned currently plies his trade at AZ Alkmaar, and is enjoying a fine season with 19 goals and 10 assists in 29 appearances across all competitions.
Reassuringly for Leeds fans, this isn’t just a purple patch, as since arriving in the Eredivisie at Willem II Tilburg back in the summer of 2018, Pavlidis’ goal record stands at an impressive 77 goals in 162 appearances (Transfermarkt) – a near one-in-two record.
However, after January’s transfer activity, it’s somewhat surprising to see Leeds targeting yet another striker.
Since the start of the 2020/21 season, Leeds has spent a massive £70m on out-and-out strikers, including welcoming Rodrigo, Jean-Kevin Augustin, Joe Gelhardt, and Georginio Rutter (Transfermarkt).
However, the above have brought varying degrees of success, and Leeds’ current striker options compile of the injury-prone Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, and January signing Rutter, who is yet to score after seven Premier League appearances.
This form has likely turned Leeds’ attention to Pavlidis, with an apparent fee of £21.9million rumoured to be enough for AZ Alkmaar to part ways with the 24-year-old.
The Greek certainly has the markings of a top scorer and has even performed on the international stage with six goals in 29 caps for his nation; however, imports from the Dutch league have often been unpredictable as many Premier League have previously discovered.
That being said, Leeds certainly have the resources needed to land Pavlidis this summer, and based on this season’s form he could be a welcomed addition to the Leeds frontline.
In other Leeds United news, lines of communication are open between the Whites and another club about an incoming deal but it could also increase the chances of an exit being negotiated at the same time.
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