/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67721375/1144711725.0.jpg)
With North America’s prestigious trophy is still on hold until mid to late December, here are some of the tournament’s biggest stars that Leeds should put on their upcoming winter transfer radar.
Emanuel Aguilera (Centre-Back, Club America, 31-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999799/1177777196.jpg)
Aguilera is one of the best goal scoring defenders in Liga MX. His experience makes him a great centre-back. Aguilera’s contract expires this December and picking him up as a free transfer could be a steal for Leeds.
Nahuel Guzman (Goalkeeper, Tigres UANL, 34-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999803/1280831991.jpg)
Despite his age, Guzman is still a reliable versatile goalkeeper. He is explosive at stopping the ball, whether if it’s during a corner or during a shooting opportunity and he can score goals. He is the best defensive goalkeeper in this tournament and above all else, he isn’t Kiko Casilla.
Victor Wanyama (Defensive Midfield, Montreal Impact, 29-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999805/1229142483.jpg)
Having debuted in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals vs C.D. Olimpia, Wanyama could be an impactful player for their second leg since they’re trailing 1-2. He can also play centre-back and his speed has him cover a lot of ground. Wanyama is no stranger to the Premier League, having played for Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur.
Franco Escobar (Right-Back, Atlanta United, 25-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999806/930689040.jpg)
Atlanta United is in a rebuilding process and some stars like Escobar are due to leave to the club. Escobar has started every match for ATL this season and always shown solid defensive work. He can be a playmaker when he has the chance. His contract also ends this December and is very likely he will leave ATL which picking him up as a free transfer is a steal for Leeds.
Yoshimar Yotún (Central Midfield, Cruz Azul, 30-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999808/1208889224.jpg)
Yotún is one of the best leaders in this list. He covers all the pitch in defense and in attack as well as being a leading penalty taker. This type of leadership and confidence to help the team win games is something Leeds should look into.
Diego Rossi (Left Winger, LAFC, 22-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999814/1271236354.jpg)
Rossi is the leading scorer in the MLS this season with 13 goals. He is known for his playmaking skills and explosive speed. He quickly develops as an elite winger in the MLS but if he arrives at Leeds, his quick ability to grow as a scoring winger could make him an elite scorer in the Premier League and in the world.
Eduardo Vargas (Second Striker, Tigres UANL, 30-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999815/1212456211.jpg)
Vargas is having a slow start in the 2020/21 Apertura season but he is still a valuable second striker. His contract is up this coming December 31st, Leeds could pick up this lethal striker as a free transfer. Vargas is also no stranger to the Premier League, having played for Queens Park Rangers in the 2014-15 season.
Alexander Callens (Centre-back, NYCFC, 28-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999820/1271576314.jpg)
Callens is a rising star in the MLS, his size and frame makes him the best goal scoring defender in the MLS. His secret to success in scoring is in the corner kicks where his size easily dominates opponents. That is something Leeds should look into.
Roger Martinez (Centre-Forward, Club America, 26-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999823/1179297192.jpg)
Martinez is also having a slow start in the 2021 Apertura season in Liga MX but he is still an elite forward. The last time Martinez had a solid season was in 2018-19, where he scored 15 goals but his numbers downgraded a season later and he’s slowing down again. He shown his frustration and long standing rumors of him leaving the club, he can redeem himself in Leeds United. Martinez has all the tools to be an elite forward and himself staying in America would continue wasting his potential.
Ezequiel Barco (Left Winger, Atlanta United, 21-years-old) –
:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21999825/1229263860.jpg)
With ATL in a rebuilding mode, it’s uncertain that Barco will remain in the club. He is one of the most valuable MLS stars and easily matures since he has the main goal scorer role after the injury of teammate Josef Martinez and the departure of Miguel Almirón to Newcastle. Having played for Bielsa disciple Gerardo “Tata” Martino, Barco is a perfect fit for Bielsa’s Leeds. He is fastest playmaker in MLS and his low centre of gravity helps with his dribbling. At just 21 years old he has the potential to move to England and potentially be one of the top players in the Premier League.
Let us know in the comments below which players you liked on this list that Leeds United should get for the next transfer window. The remaining tournament scouting reports will be MLS and the UEFA Europa and Champions League, stay tuned.