Leeds United’s frontline has played a huge role in their success throughout the Championship in 2024/25, undoubtedly contributing to their ability to claim the title.
The Whites registered a staggering tally of 95 goals in their 46 league outings – the highest tally in the division, scoring 24 more than the next highest team in Norwich City.
Joel Piroe was the club’s highest goalscorer during the title-winning campaign, with his tally of 19 goals also the most of any player in the second-tier, claiming the Championship’s Golden Boot award.
However, if the club are to survive in the Premier League next time around, they will need added reinforcements to hand boss Daniel Farke with the tools to improve the squad.
With the transfer window just around the corner, work has already been done behind the scenes to ensure a quick start is made this summer, leading to numerous names linked with a switch to Elland Road.
The latest on Leeds’ move to sign Callum Wilson this summer
Over the last couple of days, Newcastle United striker Callum Wilson has been the latest name linked with a move ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign.
The 33-year-old, who’s out of contract this summer, has spent the last five years at St James’ Park, registering 49 goals and playing a key role in their transformation over recent seasons.
However, they don’t appear to be alone in their chase for the former Bournemouth star, with West Ham United also said to be in the race for his signature.
His goalscoring record in England’s top-flight would undoubtedly be a key point for Farke in their pursuit, but Wilson has endured a torrid run with injuries that has restricted him to just two league starts this campaign.
Such a deal would likely be a risk, with the centre-forward likely to command a hefty wage given his experience, which could result in the Whites targeting other attackers this summer.
The former Leeds star who is now way better than Wilson
Undoubtedly, despite Piroe’s success in the Championship this campaign, Leeds will be targeting a talisman who is capable of stepping up to the plate in the Premier League.
The Dutchman has never featured in England’s top-flight, leading to question marks whether he will be able to cut it and be a success in such a division.
Wilson could be an attractive option given his current contract status, but his injury record should see the hierarchy steer clear of any potential move this summer.
They may have been better off keeping hold of Spanish talent Rafa Muijca, with the 26-year-old taking his career to the next level after departing Elland Road back in 2021.
He spent two years in Yorkshire, linking up with the youth setup after joining from Barcelona B, but was unable to break through the ranks and subsequently joined Las Palmas.
Fast forward to 2025, the striker is currently plying his trade for Qatari outfit Al-Sadd, currently enjoying one of the best goalscoring patches of his career – showcasing what the Whites are missing out on.
Mujica has registered 20 goals in his 27 appearances for his new outfit, offering a clinical edge that could’ve been of use to the Whites had they kept hold of him.
When comparing his stats from the current campaign, he’s massively outperformed transfer target Wilson, highlighting how big of a mistake the hierarchy made in allowing him to depart.
The Spaniard has not only massively outscored the Englishman, but has managed more shots on target per 90 along with a higher shot-on-target accuracy rate – such a record that would’ve bolstered Farke’s attack.
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How Rafa Mujica compares to Callum Wilson in 2024/25 |
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|---|---|---|
|
Statistics (per 90) |
Mujica |
Wilson |
|
Games played |
18 |
17 |
|
Goals scored |
18 |
0 |
|
Shot-on-target accuracy |
44% |
17% |
|
Shots on target per 90 |
1.8 |
0.3 |
|
Pass accuracy |
79% |
75% |
|
Take-on success |
41% |
14% |
|
Aerials won |
31% |
11% |
|
Stats via FBref |
||
He’s also managed to complete more of the passes he’s attempted, as well as more aerials won, with his skillset potentially offering an all-around option in the final third had they kept hold of him.
Undoubtedly, it’s frustrating that the club made such a mistake in allowing the talisman to depart, with their loss now appearing to be Al-Sadd’s gain in 2025.
Whilst they won’t be able to get him back this summer, other targets will need to be explored, but given Wilson’s measly record and injury history, the Whites should be steering clear of a move for the Magpies star.
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