Leeds United to challenge Ronaldo in bid to sign Sporting CP ace Gonzalo Plata
Leeds United are reportedly in pursuit of Sporting CP forward Gonzalo Plata with the Ecuador international’s loan spell at Real Valladolid over, according to BolaVIP.
The Ecuadorian news outlet relays information they learned about Plata, 21, on Tuesday (31 May) after it was reported by Marca in Spain that Valladolid, who won promotion to La Liga this season, have an option to buy the winger permanently for £8.5million.
It is understood that Plata wants Valladolid owner Ronaldo to re-sign him this summer either on another loan deal or for the £8.5million permanent fee.
However, Marca claims that fee is “impossible” for Valladolid to afford if they want to sign the Leeds-linked dazzler.
Raphinha replacement?
Plata has enjoyed a stunning season in Spain’s second tier while on loan at Real Valladolid.
He’s scored six goals and supplied five assists in 30 league appearances for Ronaldo’s club and his man of the match performance against Huesca on 29 May helped seal his side’s promotion to La Liga on the final day of the campaign.
It’s no shock that Valladolid would want to sign Plata again.
As quoted by Portuguese news outlet O Jogo, Brazil legend Ronaldo has said he will “do everything possible to keep Plata” at Valladolid this summer.
Who can blame him?
Plata is a quick and tricky winger who’s shown he’s capable of scoring and creating goals and stepping up when it matters most.
He sounds a bit like another South American, doesn’t he, Leeds fans?
Rpahinha’s been strongly linked with a move to Barcelona in recent weeks and months and it’s likely that’s a deal that will happen at some point.
And if it does, Victor Orta can go one of two ways.
He can go back to looking in Spain’s second-tier for bargain buys. Or he can go big.
Plata is an exciting talent who seems to have a big future at Sporting CP if he doesn’t have one at Valladolid.
Let’s see what happens but we need to wait for some more solid links first.
In other Leeds United news, this player is considering his options at Elland Road despite only signing last year.