Leeds United will reportedly compete with Newcastle United in the race to sign Ecuador’s World Cup star Gonzalo Plata from Real Valladolid in 2023.
Ben Jacobs has told GIVE ME SPORT that Leeds United have “scouted” Gonzalo Plata during the World Cup and could try to lure the Real Valladolid star to Elland Road. Newcastle United are also keen on a move for the 22-year-old Ecuador winger.
A product of the Independiente del Valle conveyor belt, Plata moved to Lisbon heavyweights Sporting CP in 2019 but largely failed to break into the first team. His most productive season in Portugal was the 2019/20 season, when he was utilised in a limited capacity off the substitutes bench. But he failed to impress with just two goals and two assists to his name from over 1000 minutes of action.
The 22-year-old was then loaned out to Valladolid in the summer of 2021, which was later converted into a permanent deal after he played a key role in their promotion to La Liga last season, being directly involved in 11 goals from 30 games. Plata has provided two assists in ten appearances as Valladolid have made a solid start to their return to the top tier.
Despite failing to score or assist in any of Ecuador’s three group-stage matches at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, he has impressed with his performance on the international stage, with the South American side impressing in their opening two games against Qatar and the Netherlands. But failed to get over the line against Senegal, who pipped them for a Last 16 berth at the World Cup.
Plata was a livewire for Ecuador throughout the World Cup and gave a good account of his pace and dribbling ability. Those performances have not gone unnoticed in the Premier League, with Newcastle United and Leeds both interested in his services as a result.
This is not the first time Leeds have come forward to showcase their interest in Plata. They were strongly linked with a move for the dynamic winger during the summer as they viewed him as a successor for Barcelona-bound Raphinha. And while that never materialised, they are said to have retained their interest in the player.
Leeds are currently embroiled in a relegation battle in the Premier League and need to bolster their forward options. Plata could be a fantastic addition to their young and exciting attack and could prove to be Raphinha 2.0.
The 22-year-old is a workhorse, a rapid winger who has pace to burn and loves to dribble. He can mesmerise people with his trickery and has got an eye for goal, as well as the intelligence to pick the right passes. He would be deemed a perfect upgrade on someone like Daniel James, who is out of favour under boss Jesse Marsch and is currently on loan at Fulham.
Newcastle, meanwhile, would also like to bolster the wide position ahead of the second half of the season in order to boost their top-four push. Plata’s age profile, playing style, and the price tag make him a viable option for the Toon Army. So that explains the interest in Plata.
With his inverted style, Valladolid provides a direct threat from the right wing and could be the long-term heir to Miguel Almiron, who has been on fire this season but could benefit from more competition for places. It will be interesting to see who among Leeds and Newcastle win the race to sign Plata.
