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Will Leeds United’s chase for this 23-year-old be a success for Garry Monk?
In recent weeks, speculation has risen that Kemar Roofe could be on his way out of Oxford United after having a great season in League Two in 2015/16. This form has seen interest from Leeds United manager Garry Monk, who; according to is looking to bolster his strike force ahead of the new season. His goals during the most recent campaign helped Oxford United gain automatic promotion from League Two, where he scored 18 goals in 40 games and a further eight in cup matches.
Roofe had originally been at West Bromich Albion, before a loan move to Oxford in 2014/15 saw him permanently sign for the club at the start of the 2015/16 term. During this season at Oxford, Roofe has impressed with his performances throughout, especially in the FA cup tie with Swansea where he scored to help knock out the Premier League outfit. His performances had even caught the eye of the league as he picked up the League Two player of the year award.
Leeds United have recently released striker Mirco Antenucci and with Souleymane Doukara looking likely to also move on, Leeds United’s attacking line is looking scarce. The addition of Roofe would be welcomed by the fans as he would bring width, pace, goals and assist, something which Leeds fans have been shouting out for.
Roofe would be a typical Garry Monk signing, with his attributes suited to the way the former Swansea manager likes his teams to play football – attacking, fast paced with high energy.
Nonetheless, Monk could be in for some competition for the players signature as other Football League teams are also interested in the young Oxford striker. Sheffield United and even Hull City are rumoured to be looking at the highly rated 23-year-old and with Oxford placing a £2 million price tag on Roofe, it could be an interesting chase for his signature.
If Garry Monk manages to pull off the signing of Kemar Roofe, it will ultimately be a gamble on the player, as he is unproven at a higher level of football. Still, according to Michael Duberry, former ex-Leeds player, it is a gamble worth taking. Duberry said to :
“You know about his goals, his pace and his creativity but he’s also got massive amounts of confidence. That would give him an edge in the Championship because he’d go to that level thinking he could make it and cope there.”.
Many players have come to Leeds United with high capabilities and talent but then failed to deliver under the immense pressure of playing for a big club with such history and vocal fan base. Monk will have to get bids in early though as Oxford manager :
“If something is going to happen we want it to happen as early as possible.”
So there might be a situation further down the road where we come to a crossroads where it is a case of ‘whoever we’ve got in the building stays’.”
Appleton is clearly keen to get a deal sorted sooner rather than later so it allows time for players to be replaced. One thing is for certain is that wherever Kemar Roofe ends up, he will bring an exciting confidence to the team and hopefully make the step up in leagues to follow in the footsteps of various lower league players making it. Leeds United will just be hoping it is their club that lures this young talented player to their team and hoping he bring with him the same form he has had at Oxford for the last two seasons.
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