According to his agent, Luciano Becchio has set his sights on a surprise return to Leeds United during the transfer window.
The Argentine frontman was a virtual unknown when he arrived at Elland Road in the summer of 2008, on the back of a successful two seasons in Spain with Segunda B side Merida. With Los Romanos heavily in debt, they placed their most saleable asset on the transfer market, and the Whites signed him for an undisclosed fee after he impressed manager Gary McAllister whilst on trial.
Becchio established himself as a firm favourite with the supporters of the Yorkshire club, as he went on to score 75 goals in 190 league appearances. In his last season at the club, he notched 16 goals in 26 Championship matches, before leaving halfway through the campaign to join Norwich City, then of the Premier League, in a swap deal involving Steve Morison.
However, the 31-year-old has struggled to make an impact at Carrow Road. In his debut season he failed to score a league goal having made just eight outings in the top-flight, whilst he made just five appearances last term – again, failing to find the back of the net – as the Canaries were relegated. And this time round, he scored twice in a brief loan spell at Rotherham United.
Although Norwich are currently on the lookout for a new manager, it is not expected that this will result in an upturn in Becchio’s fortunes. And according to his agent, Horacio Rossi, the striker would be more than interested in returning to his former club: “Leeds is Luciano’s home and if they want to sign him they know where we are. Leeds is always going to be a special club for Luciano. It’s a club he loves.”
Becchio saw his temporary spell with the Millers interrupted by a fractured heel, but he is now fit and ready to return to action. It is believed Leeds manager Neil Redfearn is interested in taking him back to Elland Road, as he looks to claw the club away from the wrong end of the table; they are currently 20th in the standings, and just a single point above the relegation zone.
Would Becchio be welcomed back at Leeds? Let us know what you think by joining in with the discussion below.
