Leeds United are keeping close tabs on Moroccan international striker Yassir Zabiri, with Elland Road scouts dispatched to Spain to monitor the breakout talent currently lighting up La Liga.

The 21-year-old forward – spending the season on loan at Racing Santander from parent club Rennes – has caught the eye of Premier League talent spotters following an explosive start to the campaign. According to Africafoot, Leeds United and top-flight rivals Ipswich Town have both sent scouts to assess the youngster as a prospective target.

With the Leeds United hierarchy continually evaluating attacking options, Zabiri’s combination of raw potential and extraordinary finishing efficiency makes him a compelling proposition.

Zabiri’s numbers in Spain make for remarkable reading. Currently sitting joint-fourth in the La Liga goalscoring charts with eight league goals in 11 appearances, the Moroccan striker is averaging a goal every 89 minutes.

Yassir Zabiri’s goal conversion rate rivals Leeds United hero Raphinha; it’s better than Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Operating with a 32% goal conversion rate and 52% shot accuracy, only former Leeds United idol Raphinha boasts a superior conversion percentage (43% goal conversion and 54% shot accuracy) among La Liga’s top five marksmen. The Elland Road hero currently tops the charts with 15 goals – almost double that of Zabiri.

When stacked up against Leeds’ current hitman, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the contrast in efficiency is stark:

• Goal Frequency: Zabiri nets every 98 minutes in La Liga, whereas Calvert-Lewin has averaged a goal every 194 minutes in the Premier League.
• Finishing Lethality: Zabiri converts 32% of his total chances, comfortably outstripping Calvert-Lewin’s 25% conversion rate.
• Overall Output: Zabiri has notched 8 goals across 712 minutes of action, double Calvert-Lewin’s return of 4 goals in 776 minutes.

Zabiri’s lethal touch is no sudden fluke either; the youngster previously announced his credentials on the global stage by leading Morocco to U20 World Cup glory, netting five goals during the tournament, including a decisive brace in the final against Argentina.

While Racing Santander are eager to retain Zabiri, they possess no purchase option in their loan arrangement with Rennes. Santander have reportedly initiated discussions with the French side, but rising interest from England threatens to alter the landscape.

Under contract at Rennes until 2029, securing the highly-rated 21-year-old would require navigating negotiations with the Ligue 1 outfit. However, with Leeds United actively monitoring his progress, Zabiri’s rare combination of speed and clinical finishing could see Elland Road emerge as an ideal landing spot.

All stats courtesy of Opta.