Adama Traore may rediscover sparkling form with transfer to Leeds

On their long-awaited comeback, Leeds brought the fun factor that every newly-promoted team should aspire to bring to the Premier League.

Whether it’s Patrick Bamford who shocks the world and truly thrives in the top flight or Marcelo Bielsa quietly sipping his coffee on the sideline before going completely bonkers, the Whites have been the ones to watch for rival fans this season, and for all the right reasons.

However, their team still needs work. They are by no means some of the worst teams in the league or serious relegation contenders, but there are clear limits. Bielsa’s magic will only be able to power a squad that is just not at a high enough level for such a long time, so reinforcements are expected to arrive soon to ease the transition.

90 mins understands that Leeds are interested in Adama Traore, whose future at Wolves is on hold despite such an impressive 2019/20 campaign. The winger is yet to sign a new deal at Molineux and is now considering leaving the club to play more regularly elsewhere, and Leeds would be the perfect place to become the Brock Lesnar of the football world – mercurial, talented and absolutely. massive.

Has he been in his best form this season? No. Is there a direct response to the Leeds squad’s problems currently? Not really. But would he add to an already relentless Yorkshire fun factor and flourish an incredible partnership with his mysterious Argentine head coach? Absolutely.

It’s a statement signing that would take Whites to the next level and continue the ride that requires them to relentlessly try to beat their opponents, no matter how many they might concede.

The signings of Illan Meslier, Robin Koch, Raphinha and Rodrigo were a good start for Leeds ahead of their return to the top flight and follow a consistent profile. Over time, they will improve further and become assets for the team if they continue to build around them. Traoré being a winger may not be a position need to set priorities, but finishing a signing of this stature is a statement and gives the team a key man to turn to.

Traoré hasn’t managed to register a goal or an assist in his first 15 games in all competitions this season, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. Contract talks have clouded his campaign since the start of the season, which has undoubtedly played a role in his downturn. At his best, the Spaniard – who first received full international accolades in October 2020 – is an athletic masterpiece with a truly impressive engine, tight turn and recently added an end product to his game. .

His career-best six goals and 12 assists contribution in all competitions last season is testament to this significant improvement, which would undoubtedly add a new dimension to Leeds’ attack.

While Leeds fans might be concerned about recruiting in the wrong areas, there is no reason to worry about the expense of bringing Adama to the club. The winger flourished in partnership with Bamford in the championship with Middlesbrough. The pair were responsible for tearing Leeds to shreds when Bamford netted a hat-trick against his current employers in a 3-0 win in 2018. Bringing the two together at Leeds in the top flight is guaranteed to bring a relentless fun factor to the game. side under Bielsa’s tutelage and cause a severe headache to opponents.

Not only would Traore bring another offensive advantage to Leeds’ already sharpened sword, but his versatility would prove to be fruitful as well. Both Bielsa and director of football Victor Orta are said to be fervent with the 24-year-old, which makes sense given his skills in a number of positions. Traore could easily fill in at the left rear when needed, or even allow Leeds to change shape into a rear wing formation; Playing three center-backs may well be the key to finding a balance between attack and defense.

Granted, he’s not a real defensive solution and that remains an area Leeds need to improve on in the future, with Stuart Dallas currently having to play out of his position as a makeshift left-back, Traore would undoubtedly tone down the problem in the meantime and would allow them. to better utilize their options by trying different systems.

If Traore is available for a transfer in January, it won’t be a one-horse race for Leeds to secure their man. But it is exactly this interest that testifies to his qualities, and yet another reason why whites must do all they can to ensure his services.

Reuniting their partnership with Bamford, easing the problems on the left flank and making them feel like a real high-flying camp is a transfer they must pursue.