Rohan Sengupta
Why Norwich City must beat Leeds United to sign Ze Luis
According to a report from Championat, Leeds United have offered an eye-popping €12million to bring Spartak Moscow star Ze Luis to Elland Road.
Ze Luis, 28, joined Spartak Moscow from Braga back in 2015 and has become one of the most coveted players in Russian football, winning the domestic league and cup double a couple of years ago. 11 goals in 24 appearances across all competitions this season has caught the attention of Leeds United, who are chasing Premier League promotion.
But going by the impact Ze Luis has made at Spartak this season, Norwich City should hijack Leeds’ pursuit of the forward and make a move this month.
Norwich City have already signed midfield ace William Hondermarck from Ireland First Division side Drogheda this month as they look to strengthen their push for promotion to the Premier League. Hondermarck has been one of the most highly-rated youngsters in Ireland and it would be a big challenge for the 18-year-old to come to the Championship and make an impression.
But the Canaries boss Daniel Farke cannot just rest on his laurels after signing only one player in the January transfer window. He has already seen Nelson Oliveira leave the club on loan for Reading until the end of the season.
And while Oliveira’s absence won’t make any difference to Norwich as he didn’t make a single appearance this season, Farke must keep his squad well-stocked in every department.
Teemu Pukki has taken the Championship like a duck to water, proving to be an inspiring signing for the Canaries as he has netted 16 goals in 25 league games this season. Pukki has shouldered the burden of scoring goals for the Championship side but he needs cover as well as competition if Norwich are to achieve promotion this term.
That said, Farke must make a statement of intent by signing Ze Luis this month. The 28-year-old has 17 caps to his name for Cape Verde, where he has netted twice, and he could be a useful addition to Farke’s side. Blessed with explosive pace, delicate footwork and directness, he would be a nightmare to mark for the Championship defenders.
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If Norwich are to beat Leeds to Ze Luis’ signature, they need to show ambition and spend big. Though the Cape Verdean is expected to cost a fortune, he would be a smashing signing for Farke’s Canaries.
