Raphinha: Marcelo Bielsa ‘clutching at straws’ as Leeds star man tipped to quit – pundit
Gabby Agbonlahor has claimed Marcelo Bielsa is “clutching at straws” if he thinks Wednesday hero Dan James and Tyler Roberts can be long-term striker options for Leeds United.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the ex-Aston Villa and England forward claimed Raphinha will want to quit Leeds in the summer if they do not invest in a new striker.
James scored his third and fourth goal of the season in his side’s 3-3 draw with Aston Villa yesterday (9 February).
As quoted by Leeds Live after the game, Marcelo Bielsa revealed he was “very happy” for the Welshman but valued his “profound” contributions even when he does not score.
Ahead of the game on Monday (7 February), the Whites boss told the same outlet he was content with Rodrigo, James and Roberts as his centre-forward options as Patrick Bamford remains a long-term absentee.
“You’re clutching at straws there,” Agbonlahor told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“Rodrigo, I do like him but players like Dan James and Tyler Roberts, they don’t really work as a striker.
“I think Leeds fans would agree. They know they’ve got enough to stay up but they will be worried about what money they’ve got available to spend.
“I imagine in the summer Raphinha will not want to stay if there is no investment because he won’t want to stay if they’re going to struggle.”
Raphinha is out of contract at Elland Road in the summer of 2024.
In an interview with the BBC earlier this week (7 February) he refused to be drawn on a new contract as he insisted he left that to his agent Deco and his Dad.
In other news, Leeds United could be relegated after an update on an ‘absolutely brilliant’ star this week.