Leeds United may find it ‘difficult’ to ‘convince’ transfer target Raphael Guerreiro to make the switch from Borussia Dortmund, according to journalist Dean Jones.
The 28-year-old has been linked with a shock move to Elland Road in recent weeks after entering the final 10 months of his current £81,000-per-week Dortmund contract.
What is the latest news involving Guerreiro?
A recent report from TEAMtalk has claimed that Leeds are planning on signing a left-back in the new year due to Junior Firpo’s injury issues and struggles on the pitch.
The former Barcelona star arrived in west Yorkshire back in July 2021 via a £12.8 million deal but has been unable to cement a spot in the starting XI since then.
Usual stand-in Stuart Dallas is also currently sidelined with a broken leg, forcing the versatile Pascal Struijk to become a makeshift full-back in the opening months of the current campaign.
However, it’s believed that Leeds are now lining up an audacious move for Guerreiro and are in the process of putting together a contract offer for him.
Jesse Marsch’s charges could face competition from Serie A giants Juventus for the Portugal international’s signature, though, meaning securing his signature will not be an easy task.
What has Jones said about Guerreiro?
Jones has doubt over whether Leeds would be able to attract Guerreiro to the club, given they are battling at the wrong end of the Premier League, and he currently plays for one of the biggest teams in German football.
Read more: January Transfer Window 2023: When Does It Begin, Rumours and Everything You Need To Know
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “Given the position that they’re in right now, you wonder if Guerreiro will be up for it.
“They’re trying to get someone to go into a team that looks like they might be in a relegation scrap, coming from a big club is always difficult. So, I think right now it seems like a difficult one to convince him of in January.”
Would Guerreiro be a good signing?
Guerreiro has established himself as a key player for Dortmund since arriving from FC Lorient back in 2016, registering 37 goals and 39 assists in 206 appearances in all competitions.
As per FBref, the Portugal international has also ranked in the 96th percentile for total shots, 93rd for progressive passes, 88th for progressive passes received, and 84th for completed dribbles amongst his positional peers over the last year.
It’s understandable, therefore, why Guerreiro may have some doubts over moving to a side that is currently lingering just three places and two points above the relegation zone.
Securing his services would be seen as a significant coup for Marsch and Leeds, although realistically, they may be forced to move on to alternative targets.
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