Leeds United could secure Midtjylland forward Sory Kaba on a cheap deal after fresh transfer speculation about the striker’s future emerged.
According to La Provincia (3 August), newly-promoted La Liga side US Las Palmas had submitted a bid for a deal worth just £1.3million to Midtjylland for the forward amid his links to Leeds.
However, the Danish club are not convinced by the Spanish proposal as they want at least £2.5million to let the 28-year-old.
If Leeds can get the striker for in-and-around the £2.5million mark, it could be a shrewd investment for a player who could again prove a quality asset in the Championship.
Kaba had a prolific loan spell at Cardiff in the second half of last season, netting eight goals in 17 matches. At a rate of almost a goal every other game, he could be a top striker across an entire season if he can replicate this form for Daniel Farke’s side.
He scored a goal-of-the-season contender too against Watford, with a chested-down bicycle kick in the penalty area.
It is unclear who will lead the line for the Whites next season. With Patrick Bamford’s Leeds future still undetermined and a host of attacking talent departing the club, including perhaps Willy Gnonto and Rodrigo, Kaba could fill this void of uncertainty.
However, they will have to fend off interest from Las Palmas. While Leeds are a bigger club in stature compared to the recent second-division side, Las Palmas can offer top-flight football immediately.
That being said, while Las Palmas will likely spend next season trying to avoid relegation, Leeds plan to be at the summit of the Championship and aim to get promoted back to the Premier League.
If Kaba is happy to spend a season in the Championship and help Leeds get promoted, his commitment will pay off and he’ll earn his chance to play in the Premier League.
Kaba’s stats show what he could bring to a Farke side and having already experienced the Championship he should settle much quicker than other players. With 0.55 non-penalty goals per 90 (85th percentile) [FBRef], he clearly knows where the goal is and has the finishing ability to convert regularly.
He is also an aerial beast, with 5.66 aerial duels won per 90 (92nd percentile) which adds an extra dimension to Leeds’ play as they can rely on him to maintain possession from goal kicks and play the ball forward to develop attacks.
Not only does he have the attributes to fit Farke’s philosophy, but he could also come at a relatively negligible amount for the likes of Leeds United
