Have Leeds & Bielsa found a new striker? Or has this one slipped away?

While the deal to land Matej Vydra appears to be going relatively well, with the Czech Republic international left home by Derby County for their preseason in Spain, Leeds United have been linked with another name from overseas.

Unlike last summer, when Leeds were seemingly linked with a new player every couple days, this summer transfer window has been relatively quiet. Either the World Cup has grabbed everyone’s attention or perhaps because “leaks” out of Elland Road have dried up, but either way, the number of rumours haven’t materialized this season, and those rumours that have legs have already happened or been dismissed.

So it was surprising to see a new rumour come out today. Algeria international striker Baghdad Bounedjah has reportedly been in talks to go to Leeds from Qatari club Al Sadd. The striker has been extremely prolific in Qatar, scoring remarkable 16 goals in 11 appearances in the Qatar Stars League and also scored nine goals in eight appearances in the AFC Champions League.

Or is this too good to be true?

The original article about the potential link between Leeds and Bounedjah said that Lille from Ligue 1 was also interested in the striker, and other reports indicate that Bounedjah is holding out for a move to the Premier League.

Al Sadd is the same team that former Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi plays for, so if Bounedjah moves, it likely won’t be for money, at least not for any transfer fee or wages, as he’s likely already on a good wage. If he does want to cement his place in the Algerian national team, he’s might be willing to move to a more competitive European League.

At 26 years old, Bounedjah might be waiting a long time for a move to the Premier League, especially since he hasn’t played outside of Algeria or Qatar. However, if he does want to move to a “bigger” league, then a move to the Championship might be in order. Just don’t hold your breath on him moving to Elland Road anytime soon.