Over the weekend it was revealed by Swedish media outlet, Fotboll Direkt, that Leeds United had Hosam Aiesh and Dino Islamovic on their radar ahead of a possible double swoop for the Osterunds duo.  

Leeds are on the lookout for reinforcements ahead of a 16^th year in the Championship, with Aiesh, 24, and Islamovic, 25, seemingly interesting Marcelo Bielsa and co. at Elland Road.

Here, in our latest FLW Six Point Opinion, we discuss Leeds’ apparent interest in the attacking duo…

1) Firstly, tell us what you know about the pair?

“Aiesh and Islamovic are currently plying their trade with Osterunds in the Swedish leagues. They have both progressed through Sweden’s youth setup, with Aiesh a full international at the age of 24.

“Aiesh is a versatile forward that’s capable of playing either on the wing or as a striker, and impressed in 2018 as he registered 10 assists over the season.

“Islamovic is an out-and-out forward who has struck 15 goals in 39 appearances during his time with Osterunds. In 11 appearances in 2019, he’s found the back of the net on four occasions.”

2) So, with attacking players on the radar, it is safe to say that’s where Leeds are looking to strengthen this summer?

“Anyone who watched Leeds religiously last season would tell you that their lack of cutting edge in the final third was their downfall under Bielsa.

“The likes of Pablo Hernandez created numerous chances, but between Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford there was only 24 goals in the league, which was a figure bettered by Teemu Pukki alone.

“Addressing that lack of goals in the summer is going to be massive for Bielsa heading into next season.

“Aiesh and Islamovic add options and if they adapt, they’ll influence things at the business end of the pitch.”

3) With both players capable of playing through the middle, could we see Roofe or Bamford depart?  

“Kemar Roofe’s contract situation is a real worry for Leeds at the moment. He’s into his final 12 months and there seems to be little progress in discussions.

“Leeds won’t want the 26-year-old to walk away on a free next summer, so if either depart, you’d expect it to be Roofe.

“Given Bamford has only been around a year, and missed most of that through injury, he’s likely to be given another chance.”

4) Aiesh has the ability to play wide, that’s an area Leeds need to strengthen, right?

“Absolutely, Bielsa wants wingers this summer and Aiesh fits the bill.

“10 assists in 2018 really stands out when you look at the 24-year-old’s stats, and although the Championship is a tough division to crack, Aiesh has attributes that could make him a success.

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“Not many people gave Emi Buendia a hope of cutting it in the Championship, and look at how that worked out.

“He could be Bielsa’s Buendia.”

5) Leeds have had mixed success with their recent Swedish recruits, does that add an element of risk to any deal?  

“You’ve got to say so, but most transfers, domestic or international, have that element of risk.

“For every Pontus Jansson, you’ll get a Pawel Cibicki, that’s just the way it is.

“What you’ve got to say is that under Bielsa, Leeds have been very thorough with how they’ve done things.

“They’ll know what they’re getting if either arrive.”

6) Finally, if Leeds are serious about the duo, it is time to get moving?  

“The summer transfer window is shorter than ever these days, so deals have to be concluded quickly, but saying that, there’s plenty of time left.

“However, Bielsa is so meticulous with his approach, and it’d benefit Leeds massively to have all their signings through the door before pre-season starts.

“Everyone is on the same page then and there’s no catch up to be played.

“If Leeds are serious about Aiesh and Islamovic, get them in.”