Leeds United could be in the market for a new striker this summer and one player said to be on the Elland Road radar has been likened to legendary striker Edin Dzeko.
The Whites are yet to make any signings this summer with the club needing to sell in order to balance the books after missing out on an instant return to the Premier League, but Brenden Aaronson has returned.
There are pressing matters in the squad that need addressing. Connor Roberts and Luke Ayling have both left and could be joined by Jamie Shackleton, so a new right-back is of utmost importance this summer.
As is a replacement for Joe Rodon, if Leeds cannot re-sign the Welshman. Jaidon Anthony has left and returned to parent club Bournemouth, while Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto could be sold.
But one area of the squad that Leeds are strong in, is up top. Mateo Joseph is breaking through and has plenty of competition from Joel Piroe and Patrick Bamford, but a new striker could still be brought in.
Leeds interested in striker likened to iconic star Edin Dzeko
Reports this week claim that Leeds are interested in raiding Red Bull Salzburg for young striker Petar Ratkov. The target man is currently at Euro 2024 with Serbia, a year after Salzburg bought him for £4m.
Ratkov stands at a lofty 6ft 4in and scored six goals for Salzburg last season. There is plenty of hype surrounding the forward, and a Serbian journalist recently spoke to Laola1 to compare him to Dzeko.
“(Ratkov’s big strengths are his) incredible anticipation and his understanding of the game. He reminds me of Edin Dzeko. He’s a real goalscorer,” a reporter who knows the 20-year-old well told Laola1.
Ratkov has also been touted as the next Erling Haaland
Indeed, largely because of his physical frame and his speed despite that tall physique. But also because the Serbian is currently plying his trade at Salzburg, where Man City ace Haaland first made his name.
If he is anything like Haaland or Dzeko then Leeds have got to make a move regardless of their current situation with strikers. It will be interesting to see if Piroe or Bamford generate any interest this summer.
But Leeds are strapped for readily available cash due to Financial Fairplay and any money the club are able to spend should be spent on the positions where Leeds need new signings, right-back and wingers.