"Drastic improvement" - Leeds United urged to pursue 18-goal winger transfer this summer | OneFootball

The German has been ripping it up at Parkhead since joining Celtic last January

This article is part of Football League World's 'Terrace Talk' series, which provides personal opinions from our FLW Fan Pundits regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…

Leeds United are said to be one of a number of sides tracking Celtic sensation Nicolas Kuhn ahead of the summer, with Premier League sides also said to be considering making a move for the German.

TBR Football’s chief correspondent Graeme Bailey revealed last week that the Whites have Brentford, Crystal Palace and Everton to contend with for the 25-year-old this summer, after a bright season at Parkhead.

12 goals in his 37 league appearances for the Bhoys in domestic football since his arrival in Glasgow 13 months ago is testament to his ability up top, while three goals in the Champions League has also seen him excel on the European stage.

With that in mind, we spoke to Football League World’s Leeds United fan pundit Kris Smith about his thoughts on a potential swoop for Kuhn this summer, with the Yorkshire side in prime position to earn a return to the top flight.

Leeds United told to follow up Nicolas Kuhn interest after Celtic form

After moving to Celtic from Rapid Vienna for a reported £3 million in January 2024, Kuhn has gone from strength to strength in Scotland, with 18 goal contributions from his 39 outings testament to his abilities in the final third.

The left-footed ace has torn teams apart on a regular basis north of the border, and netted in a scintillating 3-3 League Cup Final clash with Rangers back in December to earn another piece of silverware for the green and white side of the city.

As well as thriving at home, Kuhn also has three goals in the Champions League this season, with a brace against RB Leipzig, as well as getting his side’s goal in their 1-1 draw with Bayern Munich during the knockout clash earlier this month.

With his calibre clear to see, Smith believes the German could be a worthwhile addition to the United squad this summer, with the top flight getting closer and closer with each passing week.

When asked about Kuhn, the Leeds fan told FLW: “I think ever since the summer it has been quite obvious that Leeds have need a left-footed attacker to play behind the striker.

"Whether that is a winger of central attacking midfielder, we need that balance and variety in the way we attack.

“Someone like Nicolas Kuhn looks like a worthwhile shout. He is tearing it up for Celtic at the moment in the league, and he has impressed in the Champions League for them as well.

“For me, a player doing that well in the Scottish Premiership will no doubt have eyes on a move to a top five league like the Premier League, with a newly promoted side like us.”

Leeds United urged to invest heavily if Premier League football is obtained

While Leeds have proven a step above many of the other sides in the Championship this season, Smith isn’t sure the current squad have what it takes to compete in the Premier League.

Southampton, Ipswich Town and Leicester City are proving how hard life can be after leaving the EFL during the current top flight campaign, with all three promoted clubs currently occupying the relegation spots in the division above, and look likely to return to the Championship at the first time of asking in a matter of months.

Having worked so hard to get back to the top flight, that is the last thing that Smith wants for his side, while he doesn’t think Kuhn will come cheap, he is sure the 25-year-old is a step up on what they currently have at Elland Road.

Kris added: “I think if we are promoted we are going to need a drastic improvement across the board in order to stand a chance of staying up.

“As right wingers go, I think he is definitely one that would make us a lot better in that position and is worth signing.

“Whether it is realistic hinges on how much Celtic would command for him in the summer, and the fact that he is contracted until 2029 suggests to me that he is not going to be cheap. So, it might be a tough one to agree.”