Striker Teemu Pukki was synonymous with Daniel Farke and Norwich City as the duo combined to mastermind two Championship titles under the German – and now, Leeds can sign Farke’s next Pukki in the form of Joel Pohjanpalo.
Pukki, 33, joined Norwich after Farke had spent a year at Carrow Road. Immediately, the ex-Celtic striker’s goals help guide Norwich into the Premier League. He scored 30 goals in 46 games in 18-19, laying on another 10 assists.
The talismanic striker lasted five years at Norwich before leaving this summer – joining MLS side Minnesota United. He leaves the Canaries after stats of 88 goals in 210 games for Norwich – 65 of which came in the Championship.
Farke needs another Pukki. A striker that can bag 25+ goals in the Championship and give Leeds the focal point necessary to secure promotion. He has everything around a no.9 – as seen on Sunday – but lacks a centre-forward.
Patrick Bamford cannot be relied upon. Georginio Rutter is better from out wide, and both Joe Gelhardt and Mateo Joseph are still young and unproven. Leeds need a Pukki – and they can sign one for a bargain £3.5m, in Pohjanpalo.
Leeds can sign Daniel Farke’s next Teemu Pukki in Joel Pohjanpalo
TMW reported this week that Leeds want the 28-year-old Venezia striker, after he scored 19 goals last season. A teammate of 112-time Finland star Pukki at National Team level, the striker is in demand – with West Ham also keen.
A new report from the same outlet, on Tuesday, says he has a £3.5m release clause in his contract at Venezia – who are desperately trying to get him to sign a new deal in order to remove the clause. A move might prove tempting.
So, for just £3.5m, Leeds can sign Farke’s next Pukki in his National Team teammate Pohjanpalo. Another no.9 that scores goals for fun, and can create them too. He laid on seven last season – he is ready-made for this Leeds side.
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