The appointment of Javi Gracia as Leeds United’s new manager could be a significant factor in the club’s pursuit of Ismaila Sarr this summer.
Sarr has been a long-term target for Leeds, but, as of yet, a deal hasn’t come to fruition for the Whites.
Gracia’s history with Sarr shouldn’t be overlooked. He was the manager who signed the winger at Watford in 2019. The Spaniard clearly saw something in Sarr’s ability and potential, and it’s possible that he could be interested in a reunion at Elland Road.
The winger remains a player who is in high-demand, and Leeds could well try to sign him again in the summer as Watford are up against the odds in their battle for promotion.
If Sarr were to become available this summer, Leeds would likely face competition from other Premier League clubs. However, the presence of Gracia at Leeds could give the club an edge in negotiations. Sarr may be more willing to join a club where he has a history with the manager, rather than joining a new team with a coach he doesn’t know.
Furthermore, Gracia’s style of play could also suit Sarr’s strengths. At Watford, Gracia often played with wingers in a 4-2-2-2 formation, a style that he could bring to Leeds.
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Factor in that Jack Harrison is entering the final year of his contract in west Yorkshire, and the addition of a new, top-quality winger would make a lot of sense.
Leeds have struggled for attacking inspiration this season, and Sarr could be the solution to their woes going forwards. He has shown his quality in the Premier League before, scoring five goals and providing four assists for Watford in the 2019/20 season.
Sarr is also blessed with incredible pace. In fact, at the World Cup he clocked a higher top speed than Kylian Mbappe at the tournament.
Of course, there are no guarantees that Sarr will be available or that Gracia will have much say in terms of signings this summer after his arrival, but one has to imagine that the Spaniard’s presence at Leeds will only boost their chances of landing the attacker.
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