Leeds were ‘seriously interested’ in £44m striker in January 2023, now he could join Tottenham next month

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Back in January 2023, Leeds United had the chance to rectify a dismal first half to the season under Jesse Marsch by signing a new striker and the club splashed the cash on Georginio Rutter.

While Rutter went on to become a favourite among Leeds fans during the 2023-24 season, which saw him earn a £40m move to Brighton, he really struggled in the Premier League. He started just once for Leeds.

The potential of Rutter was there for all to see, but Leeds needed an experienced striker who they could rely on to score between five and 10 Premier League goals during the second half of the 2022-23 season.

Instead, they spent £35m on Rutter who managed just one start and it meant the Whites had to rely on an injury-prone Patrick Bamford and wait for Rodrigo to come back. Ultimately, Leeds were relegated.

• READ MORE: Leeds could now sell ‘crucial’ player in January window

Leeds ‘seriously interested’ in Matheus Cunha in January 2023

The Brazilian was a target for Leeds ahead of signing Rutter. Indeed, Leeds were ‘seriously interested’ in signing Wolves star Cunha having been linked with the former Atletico Madrid man under Marcelo Bielsa.

But instead, Cunha joined Wolves on loan with a £44m obligation to buy in January 2023. After a tricky start in the Midlands, Cunha has impressed. He had a hand in 19 Premier League goals last season.

This time , he has eight goals and three assists in 16 league games despite Wolves sitting in the bottom three and having sacked Gary O’Neil. That form, and Wolves position, puts Cunha’s future in doubt.

A report from Give Me Sport states that two years after Leeds tried to sign Cunha, Tottenham could move for Raphinha’s Brazil teammate. It is unclear how much would be required to sign him next month.

Would Leeds have stayed in the Premier League with Cunha?

His start to life at Wolves was a poor one, scoring just two goals in 17 top-tier games following his move to Molineux. But in the 18 months since then, he’s had a hand in 30 Premier League goals in 48 games.

It is completely hypothetical to know if Cunha might have saved Leeds from the drop, but his early Wolves form suggests he needed a bit of time to adapt. However, he would have been a top addition.

But 30 goals and assists in 48 games since that first half-season spell is incredible form. Given he was bought by Wolves for £44m, Tottenham are going to have to pay a whole lot more to sign him in January.