Leeds United are back in the big time, with the Elland Road side reclaiming their rightful place among England’s elite at the second attempt.
It was hard graft reaching the Premier League for Daniel Farke’s men, although it will be even tougher staying there. Are they ready for it?
While tweaks and additions have been made in key departments, namely the signing of Lucas Perri to replace Illan Meslier between the sticks, the top end of the pitch still appears in need of reinforcement.
Indeed, Joel Piroe is yet to be tested in England’s top tier. Daniel James has recorded just 12 goals and 12 assists in 106 Premier League appearances. Brenden Aaronson’s solitary campaign at that level yielded just one goal and three assists in the ill-fated 2022/23 season.
With last term’s loan hero Manor Solomon yet to make his return to Yorkshire, despite interest in a reunion, it is evident that attacking additions are needed.
Latest on Leeds’ search for a forward
On the striker front, it appears that an experienced acquisition could be on the cards, with recent reports suggesting that the Whites are keen on Inter Milan veteran Mehdi Taremi, with former Fulham talisman Aleksandar Mitrovic also being touted as a wildcard option.
As for the flanks, Farke and co do appear to be intent on bringing Solomon back into the fold on a permanent deal, with journalist Graeme Bailey having revealed earlier this month that Tottenham Hotspur could demand a fee of around £20m for the Israeli international.
A more recent report from MOT Leeds News has outlined another name that is under consideration, with the club having sent scouts to watch Andreas Schjelderup in action for Benfica against Nice, during their Champions League qualification clash.
As per the piece, the 21-year-old is on Leeds’ list of targets and is considered to be ‘high up on that list’, albeit with it yet to be seen whether that interest will translate into a formal approach.
The Norwegian winger has endured a mixed stint in Lisbon, although everything points to him being a perfect alternative to that man Solomon…
How Schjelderup compares to Solomon
If Leeds are plotting to bring Solomon back to Elland Road, it would be of little surprise. Having endured a slow start to life in Yorkshire, following his loan switch from Spurs, the 5 foot 7 sensation proved to be a central figure in the club’s promotion push.
Despite having waited until late November to get off the mark, amid his brace away at Swansea City, the wideman went on to score ten times, alongside providing a further 12 assists in the Championship.
Schjelderup may not have been quite so impactful at Benfica, although he did register five goals and eight assists in all competitions, with talent scout Jacek Kulig lauding him as “such an amazing prospect“.
Having initially signed for the Portuguese side in the summer of 2023, the youngster returned to Nordsjælland on loan for the following campaign, before eventually departing the Norwegian side with a record of 43 goals and assists in 97 games in all competitions.
That record alone is more than enough reason for optimism, as too is the fact that Solomon ranks among the most statistically similar players to him, among those in their position in across the best leagues outside Europe’s top five, as per FBref.
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Schjelderup vs Solomon comparison |
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|---|---|---|
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Stat (per 90) |
||
|
Non-penalty goals |
0.17 |
0.35 |
|
Assists |
0.52 |
0.42 |
|
Shot-creating actions |
5.67 |
5.11 |
|
Pass completion |
81.9% |
80.6% |
|
Progressive passes |
4.29 |
3.86 |
|
Progressive carries |
4.29 |
5.01 |
|
Successful take-ons |
1.55 |
2.43 |
|
Progressive passes received |
11.85 |
11.12 |
|
Touches in opposition box |
5.67 |
4.94 |
|
Stats via FBref |
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As indicated in the table above, while Schjelderup’s minutes have been limited across the last year or so, he ranks highly across a string of attacking metrics, notably mirroring Solomon with regard to his pass completion rate and progressive carries record.
In essence, the Benfica starlet is rarely wasteful on the ball, even when trying to make things happen for his side, while he is also adept at dragging his team up the pitch with a fruitful carry.
As evidenced above, Schjelderup is lethal when cutting in on to his favoured right foot, with much of his best work – like Solomon – coming off the left flank, while he also boasts a knack for the spectacular when providing that finishing touch.
While it may be the Spurs-owned winger whom Farke and Leeds will have their heart set on, turning to a player like Schjelderup would represent a more than worthy alternative.
