Many reports over the summer suggested that Leeds United wanted to sign another striker.
Ultimately, this didn’t happen. The only business we conducted regarding strikers was sanctioning the loan exit of Joel Piroe to West Ham. The Hammers have an obligation to buy him for around £12million should they win promotion to the Premier League.
In an interview earlier this week, Leeds United’s managing director Robbie Evans admitted there was no desire to sign another first-choice striker, per The Athletic.
Evans claimed that if we signed another striker, it would be a supporting one only. United don’t want to bring someone in who expects to play every week, just for them to be unhappy if they are left on the bench.
But despite this, the 49ers should be on alert as a market opportunity may have presented itself. A Premier League forward, who has a wealth of experience, could be set to become a free agent in the not-too-distant future.
Richarlison could become available as a free agent
It’s clear that Richarlison, 29, is not part of Roberto De Zerbi’s plans at Tottenham.
This is despite the Brazilian having netted 75 Premier League goals in total during his nine years in England. As well as this, he has 54 caps for his country.
According to reports from Fabrizio Romano over the summer, Richarlison looked to be on the verge of completing a lucrative move to Turkey. This ultimately fell through, as did a potential move to Everton.
Now Richarlison has found himself stuck at Spurs, and he hasn’t even been registered for their Premier League squad.
Reports have recently emerged from The Athletic suggesting that Richarlison is considering legal action against the club to try to cancel his contract.
If the forward does become available as a free agent, it’s something Leeds should consider.
Richarlison would be a very versatile player for Leeds
As well as being able to lead the line by himself or alongside his former Everton teammate Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison could also be deployed on either flank by Daniel Farke.
This versatility and Premier League experience could make him a valuable commodity for us.
It may be a long shot, but there’s no reason why we can’t at least try our luck. The 49ers have proven to be able to secure in-demand free agents before.
Richarlison is the sort of player you despise if he’s against you but adore if he plays for you.
He would certainly be a controversial signing. But if he were to commit to the project at Leeds, it could be a masterstroke from the 49ers.
We’re not in a position where we can turn our nose up at a player who has scored 10 or more Premier League goals in five separate seasons.
As I say, it’s probably unlikely, but it’s definitely something our hierarchy should keep an eye on.