Why Leeds United should reignite their interest in Matej Vydra
According to Lancashire Live, Leeds United were interested in making a move for Burnley frontman Matej Vydra in the summer transfer window, although a move to Elland Road eventually failed to materialize for the 27-year-old.
The Whites opted against firming up their interest in the Czech Republic international, with the West Yorkshire giants choosing to sign Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa on loan from Arsenal and Wolves, instead.
Having blown away a golden chance to make a much-awaited return to the Premier League the last term, Marcelo Bielsa should be happy with how his team has risen to the challenge thus far in the Championship this season.
With mainstays like Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Stuart Dallas committing their long-term futures, veteran Pablo Hernandez repeatedly turning the clock back with moments of sheer brilliance and Patrick Bamford and Nketiah laying down a marker with some crucial goals, Leeds have plenty of positives to take from their start to the ongoing campaign.
The Whites, though, will be aware of the lack of quality depth in their striking options up top and, with that in mind, it won’t be surprising to see Bielsa dip into the market for further cover in January.
Bamford and Nketiah will be joined by Tyler Roberts in the attacking ranks when the Welshman returns from injury but Leeds might still find themselves in trouble later in the campaign if there is an injury crisis or either of the strikers go through a lean patch.
Truth be told, that is quite possible, given that Nketiah is still a relatively unproven talent and Bamford has had his fair share of struggles with injuries and inconsistencies in the recent past.
To put things into perspective, Leeds United should be wise enough to bring in a proven goalscorer at the Championship level in January to ensure that they do not bottle it in the race for promotion this time around. And reigniting interest in out-of-favour Burnley man Matej Vydra might work wonders for the Whites.
Vydra has struggled for playtime under Sean Dyche ever since his £11 million move to Turf Moor from Derby County last summer and the player has made it clear that he will reconsider his future in January if things do not improve. (h/t Lancashire Live)
The Clarets seemed to have bagged a real coup when they brought in the 27-year-old after a 21-goal season in the Championship but, with the versatile striker managing just three starts in the Premier League over the past 13 months, it has to be said that the move hasn’t panned out well for either party.
The Czech Republic international has plied his trade with West Brom, Watford, Derby and Burnley in the top two divisions of English football for almost a decade now.
While he has found it tough to cut the mustard in the Premier League, his tally of 65 goals and 22 assists in 187 appearances in the Championship is certainly enough to draw a few admiring glances.
Besides his ability to score goals with both feet, Vydra is a hard-working attacker who likes to link up the play by dropping deep or drifting wide and is proficient is carrying the ball forward with pace, attributes which should make him a good fit for Bielsa’s system.
Furthermore, he is not only a clinical finisher but also a good all-around player with impressive technical attributes and a keen eye for key passes in the final third.
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All in all, Leeds United going back in the market for Matej Vydra in January could make all the difference in their surge for promotion.