Leeds United

Leeds United

Championship

Leeds United identify new striker solution, with Colombian ace Julian Quinones ‘very popular’ to Jesse Marsch

Jesse Marsch on the Leeds United touchline

Jesse Marsch is a major admirer of Colombian striker Julian Quinones and could prompt Leeds United to rival some French sides for his signature, a report claims.

Quinones has spent his entire professional career so far playing in Mexico. But at the age of 25, he could be ready for the next step in his career. Reportedly under consideration by the Colombia national team, his club future is also coming into focus.

According to Foot Mercato, Quinones may make a move to Europe this summer. He scored 14 goals from 42 games in the 2021-22 season.

The forward has many admirers in Ligue 1, hence the report from a French source. They claim Strasbourg are putting considerable thought into a transfer for Quinones, who has been offered to many of their rivals.

But one transfer threat could come from the Premier League, where Leeds United are linked.

The report suggests Quinones is “very popular” with Marsch, who would benefit from having an additional forward in his squad.

Quinones can play as a centre-forward or on either wing. Therefore, he could provide the cover that has been lacking for Patrick Bamford, while also helping fill the void left by Raphinha.

His main territory is central, though, which is somewhere Leeds have been seeking to strengthen.

There are no details of how much Quinones might cost. He is under contract with current employers Atlas until 2026 after joining them last summer.

Leeds have already made several signings this summer, including Brenden Aaronson and Luis Sinisterra in attacking territory.

Leeds need new striker amid Julian Quinones links

But they are yet to add a centre-forward for Marsch, who risks entering the season with just an injured Bamford and youthful Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood as recognised strikers, unless Rodrigo Moreno steps forward into higher territory.

Leeds have one more pre-season friendly left – against Cagliari on July 31st. Then, they will face Wolves at Elland Road on August 6th for the opening of the Premier League season.

After narrowly avoiding relegation last season, Marsch will be hoping the array of new signings at his disposal can help inspire a safer season. But few of the new arrivals have experienced English football before and Quinones would follow that trend.

That is not to say they won’t work out; Raphinha provided a blueprint to follow, after all. But there are, like with any signing, some elements of risk.

However, having already spent a fair chunk this summer, perhaps Leeds now need to look for creative options in the transfer market. A player like Quinones, with little international pedigree, could be a shrewd investment if he is good enough.

But that is the big question that he will only be able to answer on the pitch. Time will tell if Leeds go any further with their interest.

READ MORE  Joe Gelhardt: Terms of new deal revealed with Leeds announcement imminent and talks on extension for second young star also underway