The January transfer window is just around the corner, and it hands Adam Underwood the chance to fix what he failed to do in the summer and strengthen Leeds United’s attacking options.
When the summer window ended, Leeds felt they had done well but missed out on the final piece of the jigsaw. Another attacking addition was needed, hence moves for Harry Wilson and Facundo Buonanotte.
Daniel Farke has since had to rely on Brenden Aaronson and Jack Harrison at times. The Whites need more in attack and it seems like they are going to pursue a new attacker signing in the January window.
Which position do Leeds United need to strengthen most in January?
Explain why!
Plenty have been linked. Chelsea duo Raheem Sterling and Tyrique George are on the radar, while a move to get Martin Baturina has been rejected. Manchester United’s Joshua Zirkzee is also a player of interest.
Now, reports from Spain claim Leeds are preparing a bid to sign a player with more than 50 caps for Switzerland. Isaac Schmidt’s National Team teammate, Ruben Vargas, who is currently with Sevilla.
Leeds United preparing bid to sign Sevilla star Ruben Vargas
Vargas, 27, is finally winning some admirers in the Premier League after several years in German football with Augsburg, where he had a hand in 42 goals in 161 games for the Bundesliga side before leaving.
In January, the versatile attacker was signed by Sevilla and he has since played 24 times for the Spanish club, having suffered a few injuries along the way. But in that time, 10 goals and assists for Sevilla.
Certainly, Vargas is in good form this season. Three goals and four assists in 12 La Liga appearances has caught the eye of Leeds. Spanish site Orgullobiri claim Leeds are preparing a £17m bid for Vargas.
Leeds are not alone in pursuit of Vargas. Villarreal saw a £13m bid rejected in the summer, while Igor Paixao’s Marseille are also keen. Sevilla are expected to listen to offers with the club in need of cash.
Could Ruben Vargas be the missing piece in Leeds’ jigsaw? 🔥
He's been excellent in Spain…
What Victor Orta said about Vargas after signing him in January
At the start of the year, Orta was still in position at Sevilla despite constant criticism about his role as Sevilla’s sporting director. Such is Orta’s fall from grace, he is now with La Liga 2 side Real Valladolid.
But Orta is responsible for the odd gem and Vargas seems to be that, having bought him for just £2m at the beginning of the year. Orta told Sevilla’s website that Vargas was the “perfect” signing in January.
“We have known about him for quite some time. We moved quickly because we knew other teams would show interest. We were confident he would add value, as he is a proven player with experience.
“He can adapt quickly due to his Dominican heritage and familiarity with Spanish. We believed he was the perfect fit for our model, the club, and our financial situation,” Orta said in January, after signing Vargas.
Vargas’ versatility would make him an excellent signing for Leeds, able to cover both flanks or even play behind the striker. With Harry Wilson on fire and probably unavailable, Vargas is a good alternative.
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