The “creative” midfielder, who has featured in three Champions League games this season, has been named as a January transfer target by Leeds United bosses.
Leeds aim to strengthen in January despite slumping form
Los Blancos have failed to win their last three Premier League games, meaning they sit just three points above the relegation zone, and it may not be long before the teams below them make a move.
Nuno, who led Nottingham Forest to Europe last season, has extensive experience in the Premier League and Tricky Trees’ performances last season prove he has what it takes to lead the Hammers to safety.
Sean Dyche’s appointment to Forest should also be a boost, given the former Everton manager’s track record of avoiding relegation and leading the Toffees to 17th place in the 2022-23 season after taking over from 19th place, two points behind.
Daniel Farke’s side will therefore need to get their squad together sooner rather than later and may need to strengthen their squad in January to avoid an immediate return to the Championship.
It’s clear the Whites are particularly keen to strengthen their midfield, having opened contract talks with Maccabi Tel Aviv’s Issoufou Sissokho earlier this week and now have their sights set on signing the Champions League midfielder.
This is according to a report from Calciomercato (via Sport Witness), which reveals that Leeds bosses have identified Inter Milan maestro Piotr Zielinski as a target for the January transfer window.
Zielinski is a “top candidate” to leave the Italian club this winter and has emerged as a popular target at Elland Road, but the newly-promoted side would need to spend a “significant” sum to sign him.
The Poland international’s high salary could also be an issue, with his weekly wages reported to be a whopping £133,000.
Zielinski has the qualities to help Leeds avoid slipping down the table.
Leeds’ biggest goal this season is undoubtedly to maintain their Premier League status, and the Inter midfielder has the qualities to help them maintain their Premier League status, given his extensive experience at the top level.
The Polish player has made 54 appearances in the Champions League, including three this season and 10 last season as Inter reached the final against Paris Saint-Germain.
The former Napoli player, once hailed as a “spark of creativity” by journalist Josh Bunting, has been consistent in providing assists over the past year, averaging 0.23 per 90, placing him in the 93rd percentile compared to other midfielders.
It’s a bit early to press the panic button given Leeds are currently outside the relegation zone, but Zielinski could be the ideal addition if Leeds need a proven top-level player to lead them to safety in January.
