We’re more than halfway through the January transfer window, and Leeds United still don’t have a striker.
The Yorkshire club have been trying their best to be fair to them. They’ve put offers in for Che Adams, and they’ve enquired about the availability of Andre Gray.
The Whites were initially knocked back with their approach for the striker, but Phil Hay has stated that he can see things changing on that front.
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The interest in Gray is undoubtedly there, and while he isn’t available at the moment, that stance could alter as we draw ever closer to the deadline.
However, just because Leeds could sign Gray, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they should.
He’s netted just twice this term for the Hornets, but then again, his record in the Championship is impeccable – netting 23 goals last time he played in this division.
We racked our writers’ brains as we asked them to give us their verdict on this potential move.
Danny Lewis
“Leeds would do well to sign Gray, despite the fact that he hasn’t had as much game time this season as he would like, making seven starts and 11 substitute appearances in the Premier League.
“Even though he has had limited opportunities on the pitch, the 28-year-old has still popped up with an important goal for Watford, scoring the second in a 2-0 win over Norwich City.
“Inspiration can also be taken from his last campaign in the Championship, which came in Burnley’s promotion-winning season of 2015/16, seeing him amass 23 goals and eight assists from 41 appearances. If he can get near that level of prolificacy again, having him at Leeds could act as a massive boost to their promotion hopes.”
Lewis Blain
“Andre Gray would be a marquee signing for absolutely everyone in the Championship, but when Leeds’ name is thrown into the equation, it raises big question marks. Will someone of his quality want to be number two to Patrick Bamford? Will Marcelo Bielsa give him a chance?
“The 28-year-old still has plenty left in the tank for a top-flight campaign, even despite his struggles of scoring just twice this season, and ultimately, that’s where United want to be next term.
“Bamford’s last foray into the Premier League saw him bag just one goal in 27 appearances, which came for four different teams across the 2015/16 and 2016/17 campaigns, per Transfermarkt. There’s little to suggest that he would be up to the standard this time around as he’s part of the reason that Leeds struggle to convert their chances, just 25.7% of their attempts at goal have been converted.
“Gray would not only be an upgrade on Bamford but he’d be one that can help them adapt to life in the top tier of English football.”
Matt Dawson
“This is a difficult one to assess given he hasn’t played in the Championship since 2015/16 but based on his record in the division, it’s hard to say it wouldn’t be a good signing. During that campaign, Andre Gray netted 23 times on his way to winning the league and grabbing the PFA Player of the Year.
“All Leeds need in January is someone proven in the division to play second fiddle to Patrick Bamford. It’s unlikely he’ll be dispossessed of a role in the starting XI, starting all but two league matches this term. Therefore, signing someone who’s registered 41 strikes in 88 Championship games would be absolutely ideal.
“The one issue, however, is that the 28-year-old is low on confidence after finding the back of the net just twice this term. With that in mind, any move for the striker would come with its fair share of risk.”
Charles Jones
“Signing Gray would be a real coup for Leeds this month. The Watford forward hasn’t been too great this season, but let’s not forget that the Premier League is a completely different animal to the Championship.
“The striker was by far and away the best player in this division last time he was here as he netted 23 goals in a Burnley side manged by Sean Dyche. His teams are famously defensive, so imagine what he could do if he played under the free-flowing and attacking Marcelo Bielsa. Leeds should pull out all the stops when it comes to securing Gray’s signature.”
In other news, one Leeds man’s comments show that the Whites may need an attitude adjustment.