Leeds announced a new investment deal in partnership with the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday, and the first step to a new era at the club should be buying a truly top goalscorer in Matej Vydra.
What’s the story?
Reports last week claimed Derby County will look to sell Vydra after missing out on the Premier League, and Leeds should be at the front of the queue to sign the Czech international.
According to the Telegraph, Derby will move to slash their budget after their playoff loss Fulham, and Vydra is “their most sellable asset” after a fantastic season for the Rams.
Owner Mel Morris has admitted there will be little investment at Pride Park this summer, as he looks to significantly cut the wage bill ahead of another season in the second tier.
Derby already have Cameron Jerome, David Nugent, Chris Martin and Andreas Weimann on their books to accompany Vydra, so it is no surprise that they want to trim down.
Leeds owner Andrea Radrizzani said on Thursday the new partnership with NFL franchise the 49ers will give Leeds “access to a rich source of business and sporting expertise”, and signing Vydra from their Championship rivals would be an excellent starting point.
Is he good enough?
Leeds fans have already been debating moves for several forwards this summer, as Hull City front man Abel Hernandez will be on the market when his contract expires, and Carpi striker Jerry Mbakogu has been linked with a move to Elland Road as well.
Whether Paul Heckingbottom stays at the club or not, they are in desperate need of someone who can take the goalscoring responsibilities off struggling youngsters Jay-Roy Grot and Caleb Ekuban, and what better way to do it than by weakening a league rival at the same time.
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Vydra grabbed 21 league goals in 35 starts for the Rams this season, including an impressive hat trick in a 3-0 win at Middlesbrough back in November.
The 26 year-old is strong with the ball at his feet, but most importantly of all he knows how to bury chances when they come his way, and the presence of the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Samuel Saiz could present him with plenty of opportunities.
This season was Vydra’s third excellent Championship season in his career so far, grabbing 22 league goals with Watford in 2012/13, before netting 16 times in 2014/15 with the Hornets.
His only real poor season came in 2015/16 with Reading, when he grabbed just three league goals in 2,103 minutes on the pitch. But the struggling Royals finished 17th that season and had very little creative influence in the side.
Leeds may yet win the race for Abel Hernandez, but with the pacey striker available on a free transfer when his contract expires, why not get both?
So, Leeds fans, would you back a summer swoop for Vydra? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below…
