One of the clear parts of their squad that Leeds United are looking to improve this summer is at centre-forward. The Whites were comfortably the top scorers in the Championship last season, with 95 goals to their name, and already have Joel Piroe in their ranks.
This summer, they’ve already signed Lukas Nmecha and seem set to add former Everton striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin to their squad, too. At least, that is according to David Ornstein on X, who said the two parties were recently able to come to an ‘agreement in principle’ for a move to Elland Road this summer.
However, it doesn’t seem like Leeds are stopping there, with links to another striker recently intensifying even after signing Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin.
Leeds’ next striker target
It does seem like a deal to sign Calvert-Lewin will happen in the next few days for Leeds. In the same report, Ornstein revealed that he is ‘scheduled at Thorp Arch imminently’ for his medical. He could be in line to make his debut against former club Everton on Monday.
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After that, the Whites might well move onto their next target, reported by Simon Jones of The Mail to be Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz. Daniel Farke’s side ‘remain in contact’ with the Cottagers over a potential move for the Brazilian this summer.
However, they will not be alone in the race for his signature. Competition is strong outside the Premier League, with Italian outfit Atalanta interested in a move. Top-flight rivals Newcastle United are also monitoring the situation.
As for the price, it was reported earlier in the window that Fulham could ask for as much as £43m for the striker.
Why Muniz would be a good signing
Over the last couple of seasons, Muniz has become a key member of the side at Craven Cottage, establishing himself as an important player under Marco Silva. His two full seasons of Premier League football have seen success in front of goal.
In total, the 24-year-old, who came through the academy at Flamengo, has played 57 games in the Premier League. He’s managed to find the back of the net on 17 occasions in that time, leaving him with a goal every 3.3 games.
It is his minutes-to-goal record that really stands out. The striker has played just 2549 minutes of English top-flight football, a goal every 144 minutes. Back in the 2023/24 season, he went on a run of eight goals in as many games, showing great consistency in the Premier League.
The pick of the bunch was surely this acrobatic effort against Sheffield United.
There is certainly a case to be made that the striker is an instant upgrade on the incoming Calvert-Lewin. Whilst the England international is far more experienced at this level, Muniz certainly has a more consistent record.
Former Toffees striker Calvert-Lewin has played his entire Premier League career on Merseyside, although that will change soon. In 239 games so far, he has bagged 57 goals, an average of one goal every 4.1 appearances. That is one game more than his counterpart in West London.
Looking at the underlying stats in more detail might further reinforce the fact that Muniz is an instant upgrade on the potential new Leeds striker. Over the last two seasons of top-flight football, the Fulham star has averaged 0.6 goals and 1.97 shot-creating actions per 90 minutes.
In comparison, Calvert-Lewin chalked up 0.24 goals and 1.9 shot-creating actions each game.
Goals
0.6
0.24
Goals per shot
0.15
0.07
Goals per shot on target
0.38
0.17
Key passes
0.88
0.62
Shot-creating actions
1.97
1.9
There is no doubt that a fee of £43m is a big investment for Leeds, especially at this stage of the window. Yet, it does feel like this would be an instant upgrade on Calvert-Lewin, who has not scored the weight of goals you might expect over the last few seasons.
Football talent scout Jacek Kulig described Muniz as a “revelation” during his Flamengo days, and Leeds would be hoping he can have a similar impact at Elland Road if he signs.
