Leeds United Could Pursue 'Cristiano Ronaldo-Type' Striker, 'New Lionel Messi,' Report Says

Newly-promoted Premier League club Leeds United is expected to make a move for Brentford’s "Cristiano Ronaldo-type" striker Ollie Watkins and Velez star Thiago Almada, whom some have dubbed the "new Lionel Messi," a report said.

After victoriously achieving promotion to English top-flight for the first time in 16 years, Leeds scouts and management are now busy recruiting reinforcements.

Legendary strikers Edinson Cavani and Zlatan Ibrahimovic were already mentioned as prospects for The Whites this summer. However, even the club’s executive thinks it will be a long shot for them to land either of the two at this point.

But Leeds seems to be nothing but eager to add another goal-scorer into its squad. The Athletic U.K.’s Phil Hay recently revealed that the Premier League newcomers are keen on signing Brentford striker Watkins.

"At the top end of Bielsa’s team, Leeds see several options in the Championship which would fit nicely. They rate Brentford’s Ollie Watkins — the division’s second-highest scorer this term with 25 regular-season goals," Hay wrote in his column.

Hay also pointed out that Watkins would very well suit coach Marcelo Bielsa’s system, which primarily consists of "strong link-up play, slick finishing and a clear contribution to a high expected goals figure." He also likened Watkins’ contributions to Leeds’ current goal scorer, Patrick Bamford, but noted that the former has "a considerably better conversion rate."

After bagging an incredible tally of 38 goals in his last two seasons, with 26 coming from 2019/20 season alone, Watkins has been a huge revelation for Thomas Frank's side. The 24-year-old’s consistent and relentless goal-scoring has earned him comparisons to one of the greatest of all time, Ronaldo.

"It's a big comparison so I don't want to go down that route but, in a way, I've mentioned it now. He's like a [Cristiano] Ronaldo-type, that he can play as a nine or he can play to the side, or he can play as a 10, but because he's so versatile he has abilities you can benefit off in all positions,” Frank said of Watkins in an interview with Richmond and Twickenham Times in August last year.

Aside from "Ronaldo-type" Watkins, recent reports also linked Leeds to Almada, the Argentine youngster nicknamed "new Messi."

Almada is also a prolific striker currently playing for Velez Sarsfield. Sources revealed that the Whites are planning to maximize their Argentine connections this summer, and Almada is one of the top Argentine prospects included in the club’s transfer wish list.