Leeds United have showcased in their previous stint in the Premier League that they are capable of thriving and causing upsets – but more importantly, avoiding relegation back to the Championship.
The Whites spent three seasons in the top-flight between 2020 and 2023, registering a ninth-place finish in their first year back in such a division after a 16-year absence.
Such a spell saw striker Patrick Bamford enjoy the best run of his career, netting 17 goals in the league, subsequently earning his first call-up to the England national team.
However, it’s highly unlikely the 31-year-old will make the same impact under Daniel Farke this time around, after failing to net a single goal across all competitions in 2024/25.
The club will need added reinforcements within the final third if they are to be a success and avoid relegation and suffer an immediate return to England’s second tier.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for a new striker
With the new season already less than two months away, it’s pivotal that Leeds identify the right players to help bolster their ranks and have the best chance of survival.
Josh Sargent is a name that has entered the mix over the last couple of days, with the American international potentially costing around £17m after his record of 15 goals in 32 appearances this season.
However, he’s not alone on their shortlist, with Fulham talisman Rodrigo Muniz also in their sights, that’s if Football Insider’s latest update is to be believed.
They claim that Farke’s side are preparing an opening offer for the Brazilian international, who registered eight goals in his 31 league appearances – only eight of which came from the start.
It also states that the 24-year-old is seen as an excellent option for the Whites this summer after his experience in the Premier League, but it’s unclear how much the Cottagers would demand for his signature.
Why Leeds’ latest target would be a better signing than Beto
In their attempts to bolster the attacking department this summer, numerous players have been mentioned as a potential option, with Everton’s Beto another player on their list.
Over the last couple of days, it was confirmed that the Whites still held a keen interest in the Guinea-Bissau talisman, who cost £30m back in the summer of 2023.
It remains unclear if David Moyes’ side would be willing to part ways with the 27-year-old forward, but Farke’s side are willing to pursue a move for his signature.
Like Muniz, he has the experience in England’s top flight that the hierarchy are looking for during the off-season, but it’s safe to say they should look past a move for the former Udinese star.
When comparing his figures from 2024/25 to those of the Fulham ace, he’s been outperformed in numerous key areas, with the Brazilian the man the hierarchy must pursue this summer.
Muniz, who’s been labelled “one of the best strikers in the Premier League” by teammate Willian Borges, has registered the same number of goals, but has managed a better minute per goal ratio – highlighting his clinical edge in attacking areas.
He’s also completed more passes and registered more passes into the final third, handing the opportunity for other attackers around him to bolster their own tallies.
Games played
31
30
Goals scored
8
8
Minutes per goal
120
191
Shot on target accuracy
49%
46%
Pass accuracy
65%
58%
Passes into the final third
1.2
0.4
Aerials won
52%
48%
Fouls drawn
2.9
1.3
The Brazilian’s dominance doesn’t end there, winning more aerial duels and drawing more fouls, offering Farke an all-round option within the final third in their attempts to secure survival.
Given their hunt for a new talisman, it’s crucial that the hierarchy land the right player to give themselves the best possible chance of retaining their top-flight status.
Big money will likely be splashed given how expensive players in the Premier League have become, with a move for Muniz needing to be the priority in the coming weeks.
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