Leeds United are in the mix for a whole heap of new signings this summer. One priority for The 49ers has got to be a new striker, and there is a new name being linked with a move.
Leeds currently have three options up top. Joel Piroe is first choice after winning the Championship’s golden boot, but there are doubts. His 19 goals is solid, but four of those came in the 6-0 win over Stoke.
Before that, nine goals without a goal. Piroe has never played a minute at Premier League level and Leeds need something more proven. Patrick Bamford is proven but it is fair to say, past his prime at this stage.
Mateo Joseph managed three goals last season and Betis are expected to make a move for Joseph at the end of the month. So, Leeds need better and one option has emerged as in-form striker Promise David.
Jesse Marsch has been watching Promise David for months
Bought by Belgian side Union Saint-Gilloise last summer for a nominal fee, 23-year-old David has been a surprise gem for the Jupiler League side. His 22 goals and five assists have been key in the race for the title.
USG can win the league title on Sunday with a win and that would see David be a key striker for a team in the Champions League. But Leeds are now ‘very interested’ in a £16.8m deal for David, as are Brighton.
Interestingly, David is not only on Leeds’ radar – but has been in Jesse Marsch’s sights for months. That is according to the much-criticised former Leeds boss and current Canada manager, after calling David up.
He said in a press conference after handing David his first call-up in March: “Promise David has had a great season. I’ve visited him, he and I have been in a lot of contact over the last four or five months.
“I’ve watched him, we’ve talked a lot about his progress there. He’s excited about joining the Canada National Team. Both of these are big talents [Daniel Jebbison and David]. They fit the way we play.”
Is Promise David the answer or do Leeds need proven talent…
There is no doubt that Leeds need a striker they can rely on to score goals. One that guarantees double digits in the Premier League if Leeds are to survive – one to do it before, in the prime of their career.
David is not that. But there is no doubting that this player is on the up, yet to reach his prime and given his form in a tricky league like Belgium’s first tier, he has the potential to do it in the Premier League.
Whether or not Leeds can pin their hat on David to score the goals required to secure Premier League safety remains to be seen. In an ideal world, Leeds land David as well as proven striker – but that is costly.
