Leeds United continue to be linked to a host of talent with the January transfer window fast approaching, as Victor Orta looks to bolster a squad which lies just two points above the Premier League relegation zone.
The Whites have endured a tumultuous season offering little consistency, but they have recently shown a proficiency in front of goal which could increase their survival aspirations.
Adding Atletico Madrid’s Matheus Cunha to that fold could be the final piece in unlocking Jesse Marsch’s philosophy.
The Brazilian has been touted with plenty of Premier League clubs of late, but despite Wolverhampton Wanderers reportedly remaining the favourites to land the 23-year-old, links with a move to Elland Road persist alongside the likes of Everton and Aston Villa.
Having nearly signed for Manchester United in a £42m move last August, it seems that Cunha may now have to settle for a club lower down the league.
Marsch could play a big role in the deal, given how he had worked with the player at RB Leipzig earlier in his career.
By acquiring the 23-year-old, Leeds could actually get their own version of World Cup star and Atletico team-mate Antoine Griezmann, who has proven that an attacking midfielder can offer far more than just offensive prowess to a team. FBRef even note the 31-year-old in Cunha’s ‘similar players’ metric.
The Frenchman has almost redefined his role in Qatar, with his defensive duties playing an integral role in Didier Deschamps’ system. As such, he has facilitated the success of forwards Olivier Giroud and Kylian Mbappe, more than earning his 7.80 average rating from Sofascore.
Whilst providing three assists, in total Griezmann has created seven big chances alongside making 3.5 key passes per game. This is accompanied by his impressive match average of 1.8 tackles and one interceptions (via Sofascore).
A quietly brilliant creative presence, Cunha offers signs that he could emulate this role alongside Marc Roca and Tyler Adams at Elland Road.
Whilst ranking in the top 2% for assists among positional peers in Europe’s top five leagues in 2022, outlining what he can offer going forward, he also ranks in the top 4% for tackles and interceptions, as well as the top 1% for blocks (via FBRef).
Dubbed an “extraordinary boy” by his former coach Paolo Tramezzani, it is clear that the youngster can pair graft with his quality. This combination helped him to rack up seven goals and seven assists in his debut season in Spain, and a further eight goals and seven assists in his final year in Germany with Hertha Berlin in 2020/21.
He truly is the “magician” that RB Leipzig’s official Twitter account dubbed him.
A consistent creator with the work rate to match, this transfer would mark an incredible coup for Marsch, who could secure his own version of a man who has inspired France’s run to the World Cup final.