Leeds United’s 3-3 draw with Portsmouth showcased both the good and bad of Daniel Farke’s team on Saturday afternoon at Elland Road, with one element being a lack of effectiveness in front of goal.
Leeds did score three goals, but the total could have been higher. The Whites hit the crossbar three times in the first ten minutes and wasted countless additional chances before Brenden Aaronson’s late golden opportunity.
The USA star had just equalised for Leeds with a stunning touch and finish on 95 minutes, following Portsmouth’s 92nd-minute penalty. When put through on goal, he somehow missed the mark, resulting in a 4-3 victory.
Leeds should have scored far more than they did, making Portsmouth’ three goals appear insignificant. While Mateo Joseph impressed, Leeds appeared to lack a natural goalscorer.
The new £9 million price tag has to inspire Leeds to make a move.
According to rumors from the end of last month and earlier this month, Leeds were among the clubs vying for Ireland star Sammie Szmodics’ signature, with a transfer away from Blackburn looking likely.
It follows his remarkable tally of goals last season, which earned him the Championship’s golden boot. Ipswich are the main runners to sign the 28-year-old ace, who excels as a no.10 but can also play as a striker.
According to Alan Nixon of The Sun, Ipswich have bid £8.5 million, which is just £500,000 less than Blackburn’s £9 million asking price. That must make Leeds ponder making a move.
Kris Boyd is urging Leeds to recruit Sammie Szmodics this summer.
Not only is it a bargain at £9 million for a player with his stats from last season, but the “incredible” star ensures goals at this level. You can’t purchase promotion, but signing Szmodics is the next best option.
Bringing in a forward who, with the amount of chances Leeds creates, could easily score 20 goals, propels Leeds forward. Leeds lost that with the sale of Crysencio Summerville, which must now be replaced.
Kris Boyd was watching Leeds and says that while the Whites produced chances, they didn’t look like they were going to score. He also praised Szmodics as a signing after he scored one and created another on Friday.
He urged, “Find a striker like Sammie Szmodics. Could you get him? Go get someone because they created plenty of opportunities, but to be honest, they never looked like scoring.”
