With this deal, the Whites could be on track to imitate a promotion hero from the past.
Leeds United must act swiftly if they are to achieve their promotion hopes this season, with a few crucial acquisitions still desperately needed…
Who is Leeds United bringing in this summer?
The Whites‘ window has been hampered by a slew of frustrating outgoings rather than statement incomings, with a number of its players abandoning ship as their different relegation clauses kick in.
As a result, the additions of Sam Byram, Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, and Ethan Ampadu are balanced out by the departures of Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Max Wober, Marc Roca, Rasmus Kristensen, Brody Aaronson, and now Jack Harrison. There are numerous names that must now be replaced.
Fortunately, this has likely freed up significant funds, allowing Daniel Farke to invest extensively in a variety of positions, particularly a striker.
Indeed, The Sun’s Alan Nixon indicated on his Patreon that the Yorkshire club have joined the chase for Everton’s talented young striker, as Preston North End look to re-sign last season’s loanee.
With Leeds‘ interest being permanent, Sean Dyche is expected to accept a deal of at least £8 million for his services.
Who exactly is Tom Cannon?
Despite being denied first-team opportunities at his permanent club, his accomplishments at youth level prompted the Lilywhites to take a calculated gamble by bringing him in on loan last season.
It took him a bit to adjust to the physical demands of Championship football, but once he got going, he looked like he could worry any defence in the division.
After failing to score in his first seven league games, the 20-year-old would go on to provide eight goals in his final 11 games, guiding his temporary team to a solid 12th-place finish. A further 12 goals were scored at the youth level in what was a hot campaign for the young forward.
Perhaps, having gone through this time of adjustment, he will now be able to strike the ground running at Elland Road, helping to spearhead a successful season following their recent relegation.
Such form drew lots of acclaim, with Hull City manager Liam Rosenior praising him after their 0-0 draw: “I thought Tom Cannon was outstanding, one of the best we’ve played against by far.”
Such prolific form was always expected since he shone for Everton‘s U21s and below, scoring eight goals in 23 Premier League 2 matches during the 2021/22 season, and a further ten goals with four assists in the U18 Premier League the year before.
With ties to the Toffees and speed that complements his tall slim build, it’s difficult not to draw comparisons to Jermaine Beckford.
The 39-year-old played for both clubs in question, having come up through Leeds‘ youth system to help propel them out of League One. He scored 101 goals in 176 games in that division before being transferred to Goodison Park due to the club’s continuous financial problems and his desire to play at a higher level.
Cannon, who stands at a slightly smaller 5 foot 11, possesses the same physicality, with his speed highlighted in a Liverpool Echo 2020 player profile: “He scored a variety of efforts and due to his willingness to run in behind, play on the shoulder of defenders, and work between the lines, comparisons to Leicester City forward Jamie Vardy have been drawn.”
With this massive club desperate for another hero to emerge to catapult them up the tiers, perhaps a young striker with a predilection for scoring in the Championship could emerge once more, mimicking Beckford’s heroics to instead return them to the Premier League this time.
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