Eddie Nketiah’s departure has left Leeds United with an important move to make in the coming month, with Marcelo Bielsa needing to add competition to his squad for Patrick Bamford.  

Leeds have looked impressive with Bamford spearheading their attack this season, with Bielsa starting the 26-year-old on 24 occasions and showing unwavering faith in the striker even when the goals dried up.

And, that faith in Bamford has been part of the reason Nketiah is heading back to Arsenal, with the Premier League club unhappy with his lack of playing time.

The Athletic have indicated that Leeds are keen to bring Southampton outcast Che Adams on board to replace Nketiah, whilst Football Insider have claimed that the Whites have made an initial move to open talks.

Adams has struggled since joining Southampton, playing only 634 Premier League minutes.

However, he’s a striker with good pedigree in the Championship, as Leeds know.

Here, we look at the pros and cons to the Whites making their move…

Pro: Adams’ Championship ability

He might not have had the impact expected of him in the Premier League, but Adams and the Championship have a history of hitting it off.

Last year, he struck 22 goals for a struggling Birmingham City side, as well as adding four assists to that tally.

Adams scored three goals against Leeds over two appearances, helping Blues become the only club to do the double over Marcelo Bielsa.

Last season alone tells you Adams is a good enough Nketiah replacement, and Leeds know it.

Con: Selling the role to Adams

The 23-year-old will want to play if he comes to Leeds on loan, and whilst you won’t have to sell the club to him, you’d have to sell his role.

Patrick Bamford is Bielsa’s main man and what he brings to the team is excellent.

Adams is more robust than Nketiah was, whilst we know he can score goals, but would Bielsa prefer him to his current option?

That’s a question Adams and his party would be asking.

Pro: Potential permanent deal

 

Leeds are looking to win promotion to the Premier League, and if they do, they’ll have the opportunity to throw their weight around in the transfer window.

Southampton and Adams might not work out long-term, but if he comes in and hits the ground running at Leeds, firing them to promotion in the process, the Whites might want to strike a permanent deal.

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At 23, Adams is a shrewd investment; he will improve and with the right coaching, he’s good enough for the Premier League.

Con: Unsettling Bamford

 

You can see that Bamford has grown as the season has progressed, with Bielsa’s backing bringing a swagger to his game that the Leeds fans hadn’t seen before.

He’s got 10 goals to his name this season alongside two assists, as well as a hand in two important own goals Leeds have forced.

Of course, he needs competition now Nketiah has gone, but it is important that Leeds don’t give him the cold shoulder with who they bring in.

Adams might well push Bamford’s nose out of joint at a time when he’s the main man.