Mark Viduka arrived at Leeds United back in the summer of 2000 from Scottish outfit Celtic, with the supporters not knowing how the striker would fare in the Premier League.
However, the Australian would prove to be a huge hit at Elland Road, notching 72 goals in 166 appearances – helping the Whites achieve new heights, notching two top-five finishes in his first two years.
He was the club’s top scorer in every season he appeared in, becoming the Whites’ leading top-flight goalscorer, but he would depart in 2004 after dropping into the Championship.
Fast-forward to 2025, Daniel Farke has done a superb job in leading the side to within touching distance of another promotion back to the top division of English football.
However, if his side are to reach the next level, they will undoubtedly need reinforcements, potentially signing one player who could emulate Viduka by taking the division by storm after arriving as an unknown quantity.
Leeds plotting move for international star
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are one of multiple English sides targeting a deal for Ukrainian international striker Vladyslav Vanat to try and bolster Farke’s forward line.
The 23-year-old also has interest from the likes of Fulham, Wolves, Brentford and West Ham United, understandably so given his goalscoring record for Dynamo Kyiv in recent years.
Vanat – who is valued at £9m via Transfermarkt – has registered double figures in each of his last two seasons, taking his total to 48 goals and 18 assists in his 101 appearances for his boyhood outfit.
The report doesn’t mention a price tag for the youngster, but given his goalscoring record and the number of interested parties, the Ukrainian outfit could trigger a bidding war for his services.
Whilst it may seem to be a risk to land a talisman from one of Europe’s smaller divisions, it’s a risk worth taking, providing an upgrade on one player and subsequently allowing Vanat to follow in Viduka’s footsteps.
Why Vanat would be an upgrade on Piroe for Leeds
Striker Joel Piroe currently sits as Leeds’ top goalscorer this campaign, notching 15 league goals, often being the player responsible for providing the goods in attacking areas.
The Dutchman has still been largely inconsistent throughout the ongoing campaign, as seen by his run of four games without a goal, with question marks still there as to whether he’s good enough to be the main man.
Undoubtedly, he’s capable of finding the back of the net as seen by his goalscoring tally, but he’s never featured in the top division of English football, potentially not quite at the level needed to lead the side should they achieve promotion.
Such concerns could see Farke delve into the market in the summer window, with Vanat just one option for the German to consider over the next couple of months.
When comparing the pair’s respective figures from this season, the Ukrainian has managed to better Piroe in various key areas, showcasing why he would be an upgrade on the Dutchman.
Games played
34
30
Goals scored
16
15
Goals per shot
0.2
0.1
Pass accuracy
78%
77%
Fouls won
1.5
0.5
Aerial success rate
40%
20%
Carries into 18-yard box
0.6
0.4
The Dynamo star, who’s previously been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has managed to score more goals in fewer outings, whilst also posting a higher goal per shot rate – highlighting his cutting edge.
He’s also completed more passes, whilst winning more aerial battles, offering that all-round focal point which the Whites have greatly craved in recent months.
Whilst Piroe has been a superb option for the club since his move in 2023, it’s clear that Farke requires added quality if his squad is to reach the next level.
As a result, Vanat would be a great option for the club this summer, desperately needing to make progress on a deal in the near future to avoid missing out given the interest from elsewhere.
Leeds had a "superb" gem who was ahead of Gray, but Farke let him go for £0
Leeds United once had a talent who looked destined to go right to the very top.
1 ByEthan LambMar 23, 2025