Leeds United have had a rather topsy-turvy festive period where they’ve been both praised and criticised in equal measure.
Thus, a transfer window could be exactly what they need to settle themselves down a little.
What’s the word?
Leeds’ 1-0 win over Burnley was a resolute display that demonstrated the enormous character within Marcelo Bielsa’s side. They bounced back from a 6-2 thumping against Manchester United with that victory before they demolished West Brom 5-0.
However, their insistence on playing attacking football against the big boys meant they tasted defeat once more against Spurs.
Perhaps they could do with a striker who can make things stick and hold the play up to make that work? Well, in their latest transfer target they could find exactly that.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are interested in signing towering Mainz striker Jean-Philippe-Mateta.
Victor Orta and his recruitment team are said to be tracking the Frenchman who is valued at £13.5m via Transfermarkt.
He has appeared on the radar of a number of Premier League clubs so United will need to pounce quickly if they want him at Elland Road.
Disaster for Orta
Mateta is certainly an eye-catching player. Standing at a colossal 6 foot 4, he knows how to win a header and put himself about. He also knows how to score goals.
The 23-year-old has netted seven times in 14 Bundesliga outings this term but that doesn’t necessarily bode well.
After all, a number of strikers have come to English football from Germany in recent years and really failed to make the grade.
You only need to look at the impact Sebastien Haller has had since joining West Ham from Frankfurt for £45m. The fellow Frenchman has found the net on just 14 occasions in 53 outings.
An ever better example can be found with Joelinton. Signed for £40m, he has beaten a Premier League goalkeeper on only three occasions.
They both came to England after impressive campaigns where they both scored double figures but they have clearly found life over here far more challenging.
Of course, Mateta may have better adaptability but in terms of being a physical presence, he is very similar to Haller and Joelinton.
Radrizzani will have every right to be fuming if his money is spent on the Mainz attacker. Leeds can surely do better.