Leeds United ‘set to sign’ top striker as £26m bid made for player Shearer loves
Daniel Farke is prioritising a move for a striker this summer as he wants Leeds United to strengthen in the final third.
Despite Joel Piroe winning the Championship Golden Boot last season, the Whites still want more proven goal-scoring options.
The 49ers will be keen on avoiding relegation from the Premier League, as the gulf in revenues is huge.
Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz subject to initial £26m bid
According to the Standard (18 June), the West Yorkshire side made an initial £26million bid for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz.
This deal included £6million in add-ons, with the Whites keen on sweetening the deal without shelling out north of £30million at once.
However, Fulham have rejected the offer as they value Muniz higher than that.
| Club | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fulham | 97 | 26 | 3 |
| Flamengo | 32 | 10 | 1 |
| Middlesbrough | 17 | 2 | – |
| Coritiba FC | 6 | 1 | – |
While they do not want to sell Muniz, they may have to cash in if a good offer arrives for him in the coming weeks.
It’s understood that Farke’s side are eyeing a top striker in the summer transfer window.
They’re expected to move on from the Brazilian as the London club have turned down their offer and will pursue other targets.
Leeds United must target better strikers than Muniz
Leeds United, newly promoted to the Premier League, require a striker capable of delivering consistent goals to ensure survival and success in the top flight.
Muniz, despite his potential, has a goal-scoring record that falls short of the mark.
He’s even been praised by Alan Shearer in the past.
The former Newcastle forward said on Match of the Day in 2024: “He really was a handful. Tough to play against, horrible to play against in fact. That’s always a good thing for a centre-forward, that’s what you have to be.
“He was strong, he ran the channels, he brought players into the game and he really upset the Bournemouth defenders in every way, in everything he was doing. He was willing to run in behind and on one of the occasions he does it, they get their first goal because of it.”
His career stats show 26 goals in 97 appearances for Fulham, 10 in 32 for Flamengo, two in 17 for Middlesbrough and 1 in 6 for Coritiba, with only 8 Premier League goals in 31 games last season, starting just 8.
This output, while respectable, doesn’t guarantee the 15 league goals Leeds need to compete.
Their ambition, backed by a reported £150million transfer budget, demands a proven, clinical finisher who can lead the line, hold up play and consistently score in the Premier League’s high-pressure environment.
Muniz’s near £50million price tag and limited starts suggest the Whites should target a more established, prolific striker to secure their Premier League status.