Carlton Palmer Backs Leeds United Move For Ex-Bournemouth Star: Is He A Realistic Option? | OneFootball

During an interview with This Is Futbol, Carlton Palmer has backed Arnaut Danjuma to move to Leeds United. The former professional believes that the Villarreal forward could be an ideal fit for Marcelo Bielsa as he looks to bolster his attacking ranks in the upcoming January transfer window.

“He certainly fits the model that Bielsa is looking for, you know, in the way he plays, that he’s 24 years of age, so everything works.”, Palmer told This Is Futbol.

Arnaut Danjuma’s Early Success At Villarreal

Formerly of PSV Eindhoven, Arnaut Danjuma joined Villarreal in the summer, for a fee of €23 million. He was coming on the back of a successful spell at Bournemouth that saw him being involved in 25 goals in just 52 competitive appearances.

Only two months into the new campaign, Danjuma is already starting to exceed expectations at his new club, having netted four goals in seven La Liga matches. The forward has also been involved in two goals in two matches in the UEFA Champions League, helping the Europa League champions fight for a place in the knockout stages.

Danjuma’s explosive pace on the flanks, coupled with his productivity, have combined well with Villarreal’s attacking setup which already consists of exciting stars such as Yeremi Pino, Paco Alcacer, Gerard Moreno and Boulaye Dia.

Although Villarreal haven’t enjoyed a great start to their La Liga campaign, it is apparent that Danjuma is performing above the team’s level, which is why the winger is now being subjected to a return to England.

VILLARREAL, SPAIN – SEPTEMBER 14: Arnaut Danjuma of Villarreal scores their side’s second goal during the UEFA Champions League group F match between Villarreal CF and Atalanta at Estadio de la Ceramica on September 14, 2021 in Villarreal, Spain. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

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Is He A Realistic Option For Leeds United?

Leeds United have endured a difficult start to the season, registering just one win in their opening eight matches, most recently succumbing to a 1-0 defeat to fellow strugglers Southampton.

The Whites have failed to reinvent the attacking productivity of last season, especially due to the injury of Patrick Bamford. As such, the club is now expected to enter the market for a new forward in the January transfer window.

As far as Danjuma is concerned, the Dutchman may seem like an unrealistic option in hindsight, given the fact that he joined Villarreal only in the summer. It essentially means that the winger is expected to cost a fortune, in case the Spanish giants are willing to cash in on their attacking asset in January.

But that is unlikely to be the case, knowing the fact that Danjuma’s performances could be vital in the club’s road to recovery after a rough start to the campaign. The player himself would prefer staying with the Yellow Submarines and playing in Europe rather than being involved in a relegation dogfight with Leeds United. Hence, the Whites may have to look elsewhere, in their pursuit of a new attacker in January.