Manchester United are now in talks to sign an “incredible” striker who Ruben Amorim thinks is a perfect fit, according to a report.
Man Utd's striker pursuit takes new twist
Man United have set out to sign a new striker this summer, with Viktor Gyokeres being identified as a potential target, having recently made calls in an attempt to lure the Sweden international to Old Trafford.
The 27-year-old is determined to leave Sporting this summer, even threatening to speak to the media himself if the Portuguese club continue to stand in his way.
The Sporting star is worried that the £68m asking price could deter potential suitors from making a move, with the forward dreaming of making a move to Arsenal, and there has now been a new update on his future.
Sporting Club's Viktor Gyokeres.
According to a report from The Mirror, United have now accepted defeat in the race for Gyokeres, as they are convinced he would rather sign for Mikel Arteta’s side, meaning they have now moved on to alternative targets.
The Red Devils are now stepping up their interest in Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins, having held tentative talks over a deal for the England international, with Amorim of the belief he would be the ideal player to lead the line.
A deal will not be cheap, however, with Villa set to hold out for a fee of £60m, which Man United are unwilling to pay, considering he is now 29-years-old, which means there is a lack of re-sale value.
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There had been a willingness to use Marcus Rashford in a swap deal, but Unai Emery’s side are no longer interested in signing their former loanee.
Watkins could be "incredible" Gyokeres alternative
Of course, Amorim knows all about Gyokeres from their time working together at Sporting, and his goal record last season speaks for itself, but there are plenty of signs that Watkins could be a solid alternative.
Unlike Gyokeres, the Torquay-born forward has already proven himself over a number of years in the Premier League, picking up 75 goals and 36 assists in 184 appearances in the competition.
The Englishman also has experience at the highest level, most notably scoring a dramatic late winner to send the Three Lions to the Euro 2024 final.
Man United have made the mistake of signing players without Premier League experience in the past, with Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee failing to adapt to life in England, while Watkins has already proven himself to be a reliable source of goals.
Leeds United are in the market to make further additions to their first-team squad to bolster their options across the park ahead of their Premier League campaign.
The Whites made their first signing of the off-season earlier this month when they completed a free transfer for Germany international Lukas Nmecha, who will officially join when his contract with Wolfsburg expires at the end of this month.
Since the start of the 2023/24 campaign, the 26-year-old centre-forward has scored five goals in 24 appearances for Wolfsburg in all competitions, including three goals in 19 Bundesliga games this season.
The new Whites striker could be competing with Joel Piroe, Patrick Bamford, and Mateo Joseph for a place in the starting XI, along with any other number nines the club opt to bring in.
Nmecha is not going to be the only player signed by the Championship champions before the summer transfer window slams shut at the start of September.
Leeds have been linked with plenty of different attacking players, from the domestic market and abroad, and Brighton & Hove Albion playmaker Facundo Buonanotte is one name that has been mentioned as a target.
Why Leeds may want to sign Buonanotte
It was reported earlier this month that Leeds were confident of closing a £30m deal to sign the attacking midfielder, but there has not been an update on that situation since the initial report.
Buonanotte spent the 2024/25 campaign on loan at Leicester City in the Premier League and caught the eye with some promising performances, despite their relegation back down to the Championship.
Appearances
31
36
Starts
14
28
xG
3.93
3.86
Goals
5
1
Big chances created
7
5
Assists
2
3
As you can see in the table above, he was more impressive than Brenden Aaronson was in his season in the Premier League with Leeds, which suggests that he could provide an upgrade on what Daniel Farke currently has in the number ten position.
That came after the left-footed magician scored three goals and provided one assist in 27 appearances in the division in the previous season, which shows that he improved during his time at the King Power Stadium.
Leeds may, therefore, want to sign the 20-year-old starlet because he has already showcased his qualities, as both a scorer and a creator in the Premier League, and could improve Farke’s options in the middle of the park.
However, the Whites are now reportedly eyeing up another couple of attacking midfield options, and one of them, in particular, could be even better than Buonanotte.
Leeds weighing up moves for attacking midfielders
According to journalist Graeme Bailey, Leeds are keen on signing one of Sheffield United’s Gustavo Hamer and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia in the summer transfer window.
Speaking to Leeds United News, Bailey said: “What we’re seeing in the no.10 role is that Leeds are able to be picky. There’s no need to jump in with both feet on a Hamer or a Buendia.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
“They are weighing up options but I firmly believe Leeds will sign a no.10 and I also believe the front-runners are those two. It will be one of those and we know Farke likes both of them.”
The Whites are weighing up whether to go for Buendia or Hamer to bolster their options in the attacking midfield position, and CaughtOffside recently reported that the former is valued at £20m by Aston Villa.
With all of this information in mind, Farke should push for the West Yorkshire outfit to snap up the Villans outcast because he would be an even better option than Buonanotte.
Why Leeds should sign Emiliano Buendia
Buendia is a proven Premier League performer who is experienced but also has plenty of years left ahead of him to give the Whites many years of quality performances.
The 28-year-old playmaker has produced ten goals and 15 assists, and created 25 ‘big chances’, in 121 appearances in the English top-flight for Norwich City and Aston Villa combined, which shows that he knows how to provide goals and assists at that level.
He has also played 121 times for Farke during their time together at Norwich, playing every game for the Canaries with him in charge, and delivered 24 goals and 41 assists.
His best season in a Yellows shirt came in the 2020/21 Championship campaign under the German head coach, as he racked up 15 goals and 16 assists, along with 18 ‘big chances’ created in the second tier.
The Argentina international, who was once lauded as “magical” by analyst Liam Henshaw, knows how to play in Farke’s system, with his style of play, and has shown that he can be incredibly effective at the top end of the pitch.
Non-penalty goals
0.38
Top 7%
Assists
0.41
Top 2%
xAG
0.36
Top 1%
npxG + xAG
0.65
Top 1%
Shot-creating actions
6.46
Top 1%
Progressive passes
7.82
Top 1%
Passes into the final third
5.81
Top 1%
Passes into the penalty area
2.17
Top 1%
As you can see in the table above, Buendia was hugely influential in possession in virtually every way possible, in scoring goals, creating chances, assisting goals, progressing play with passes, getting the ball into the final third, and getting the ball into the penalty area.
This suggests that he could be a far more effective option for Leeds in the final third than Buonanotte, who has failed to deliver more than six goals or three assists in a single season in his career to date.
Buendia, who scored two goals and created two ‘big chances’ in 11 Bundesliga appearances on loan at Bayer Leverkusen this season, could hit the ground running as an attacking midfielder who knows the Premier League and Farke.
Whereas, Buonanotte has not worked with the Leeds head coach in the past and could need time to adapt to the system and way of working, which is why the Villa attacker could be a much better option for the Whites as they look to start strong in their bid to avoid relegation.
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Leeds United appear to making moves for other strikers other than Rodrigo Muniz.
Having already signed Fer Lopez, Wolverhampton Wanderers have now reportedly set their sights on welcoming a defensive reinforcement who current star Yerson Mosquera knows well.
Fer Lopez: Premier League is an "amazing opportunity"
After losing both Matheus Cunha and Rayan Ait-Nouri in the early days of the window, Wolves were always likely to spend in the weeks that followed, and they did just that. Signing the young winger from Celta Vigo for around £19m, Lopez will arrive hoping to make an instant impact in the Midlands.
The 21-year-old is well aware of the opportunity that lies ahead too, telling Wolves’ official website after putting pen to paper: “It’s an amazing opportunity for my career to play in the Premier League, and I’m very happy.
“Vitor told me he thought I was a good fit in the squad and when it’s a club like this, you have little to think about. The team did very good when Vitor came and I think he is top, so I’m very excited to be with him.
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“Jorgen told me that to play in the Premier League and with a team like Wolves, it’s amazing, and that the fans were incredible. He told me that I should come, and that with the gaffer and all the teammates, the style of play was going to be very good. We’re going to play good football, attractive football, and I think I can fit in there.”
After Lopez, however, Wolves still have money to spend and it seems as though their focus has turned towards strengthening their backline with the addition of an in-demand defender who Mosquera knows well.
Wolves join Lucumi race
According to Gazzetta Dello Sport, Wolves have now joined the race to sign Jhon Lucumi from Bologna this summer as the defender’s £24m release clause approaches its July 10 expiry date.
Jhon Lucumi tackles Lionel Messi.
Joined by Aston Villa, Bournemouth, Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford, Wolves will have quite the battle on their hands if they decide to turn their interest into a formal offer for Vitor Pereira. Lucumi is a player who’d be worth the chaos, though. Mosquera’s Colombian teammate has enjoyed an impressive couple of years in Italy and has earned plenty of praise along the way.
Praised for his “excellent ball-security” by analyst Ben Mattinson, Wolves should do everything to land what would be a bargain deal for Lucumi this summer. The Midlands club have just over two weeks to sign the Bologna defender before his £24m release clause expires and the Italian club likely increase their asking price.
It feels like it’s going to be a hectic summer for Tottenham Hotspur this year.
The Europa League champions sacked Ange Postecoglou on Friday afternoon due to his horrific Premier League record, and while it’s not been confirmed by the club, Thomas Frank looks set to replace him.
Despite the talent in the squad, the Danish manager will have a lot to do to ensure their domestic campaign is more of a success next season, and the best way for Daniel Levy and Co to help him with that is by bringing in the right players in the coming weeks and months.
One of those players linked with a move to the club has been Bournemouth star Antoine Semenyo, but recent reports have now touted another wide talent for a move to Spurs, someone who could be the perfect alternative.
Tottenham's interest in Semenyo
Spurs have been linked with a host of talented players in recent weeks, from Crystal Palace’s Eberchi Eze to Brentford’s in-demand Bryan Mbeumo, but earlier this week, Semenyo became one of the latest Premier League stars to be touted for a move to N17.
It’s not hard to see why the Lilywhites might be interested in the Cherries star, as even though he’s playing for a mid-table side, the Ghana international was able to rack up an impressive tally of 13 goals and seven assists in 42 appearances.
However, with his price tag potentially being as high as £70m and interest from other Premier League sides like Arsenal and Liverpool, this might be a transfer both too expensive and too challenging to get over the line, in which case, Levy and Co might be after an alternative, like Dorgeles Nene.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Yes, according to a recent report from TEAMtalk, Spurs are now one of several top-flight teams now ‘considering a move’ for the RB Salzburg gem this summer.
Alongside the North Londoners, the report has revealed that Lazio, Fiorentina, Freiburg and Bayer Leverkusen are all interested in the 22-year-old dynamo who has been seriously impressive in Austria this season.
Moreover, while the competition might be a problem, the fee shouldn’t be, as the report claims that an offer of up to £21m should be enough to tempt Salzburg to sell.
Nene might not be a well-known name or sound like a particularly inspiring signing, but should Semenyo be out of reach, the youngster would certainly be worth bringing in for Spurs.
Why Nene would be a good signing for Spurs
So then, in a market where there are countless wide talents available, why would Nene be a good signing for Spurs?
Well, first and arguably most importantly, his output this season was seriously impressive and made more so by the fact he was primarily playing off the wings.
For example, in 46 appearances, totalling 3043 minutes, the “terrifying” threat, as dubbed by U23 scout Antonio Mango, was able to score 15 goals and provide nine assists for the Austrian outfit.
Appearances
46
42
Minutes
3043′
3562′
Goals
15
13
Assists
9
7
Goal Involvements per Match
0.52
0.47
Minutes per Goal Involvements
126.79′
178.10′
That comes out to an average of a goal involvement every 1.91 games, or every 126.79 minutes, which is better than Semenyo’s average of one every 2.1 games or every 178.1 minutes.
Secondly, with him still being just 22 and not turning 23 until December, there is so much room for growth and development, as according to research carried out by The Athletic, wide players do not hit their peak until 26.
Finally, even though the Kayes-born dynamo is primarily a left-winger, he’s just as capable of playing down the middle or off the right, which would give Frank so much more tactical flexibility next season.
Ultimately, Semenyo will understandably be many Spurs fan’s first choice here, but if he’s unattainable, then Nene would be an excellent alternative, although with a price tag of £21m, why not try to sign both?
Kulusevski upgrade: Spurs "definitely" want to sign £68m star for Frank
The dynamic talent would help make Spurs tick next season.
A “very good” attacking manager remains in the mix to be named the next boss of Rangers this summer, according to a new update.
Rangers continue search for next manager
While new signings are clearly vital for the Scottish Premiership giants before next season gets underway, making sure they bring in the perfect next manager is even more important.
A recent claim has suggested that talks have been held with former Ajax boss Francesco Farioli, with the 36-year-old leaving the Dutch side after throwing away the Eredivisie title to PSV Eindhoven in the latter weeks of the campaign.
Steven Gerrard at Ettifaq.
Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard is still very much in the mix to take charge of Rangers for a second time, having famously won the title with them back in 2020/21. For that reason, a chunk of the fanbase may be happy to see the Liverpool legend return, and contact is said to have been made.
As things stand, though, Davide Ancelotti is arguably the front-runner to come in at Ibrox this summer, having left Real Madrid at the end of the season, and now possibly wanting to be a manager rather than an assistant.
"Very good" manager an option for Rangers
According to a new report from The Daily Mail, Farioli is definitely “in the running” to be Rangers’ next manager, following his departure from Ajax. Both he and Brian Priske are described as “outsiders” in the report, but it is clear the Gers have left him on their list after the reports of talks last week.
While Farioli isn’t among the favourites to take charge of Rangers, he should still be considered an interesting option for the club given his exciting resume.
Known for adopting an attack-minded 4-3-3 formation, the 36-year-old Italian has been lauded by Liverpool’s Premier League-winning manager Arne Slot.
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That is high praise from a prominent figure in the game currently, but in truth, Rangers may be wise to bring in a more experienced option, rather than taking a gamble on Farioli. Ancelotti would also be a risk for that reason, so one has to wonder if all roads lead back to Gerrard.
Chelsea’s first trophy since 2021 should hopefully give Enzo Maresca some credit in the bank and allow him the confidence to bolster his side ahead of the Champions League next season.
The Blues’ 4-1 victory over Real Betis in the Conference League final means they are the first team to win the Champions League, Europa League, UEFA Cup Winners’ Cup, and now the newest tournament on the calendar.
Given the quality of their squad, it was certainly expected, but the comeback from 1-0 down on Wednesday evening was still excellent.
This sets up the Stamford Bridge side wonderfully for the Club World Cup and the summer transfer window. It appears as though they are closing in on their first signing…
Chelsea closing in on Liam Delap
Liam Delap is one of the most in-demand centre-forwards in the Premier League due to his impressive debut season in the competition.
Although Ipswich Town suffered relegation, Delap scored 12 times across his 37 matches for the Tractor Boys. In the end, his goal involvements accounted for 39% of Ipswich’s total in the top flight.
These exploits in front of goal certainly attracted plenty of admirers, including Everton, Manchester United and Newcastle United, although the Blues appear to have won the race. Fabrizio Romano delivered the news about his impending move to London on X, revealing that an “agreement” had been struck.
For £30m, Chelsea are getting a bargain, especially if he goes on to become a major success at the club in the coming years.
Aged just 22, Delap is yet to hit his peak years as a player. His breakthrough campaign for Ipswich has given the Englishman a taste for top-flight football, no doubt about that.
While he may have netted 12 goals last season, Delap often tends to drop deep, linking up well with those behind. As such, he is excellent at driving forward with the ball, taking on the opposition defence regularly.
When compared to his positional peers in the Premier League, the former Manchester City starlet ranks in the top 10% for successful take-on percentage (46.5%) and in the top 12% for successful take-ons per 90 (1.39).
Combining this with the fact he ranks in the top 23% for carries into the final third (1.6) per 90 in the top flight, it is evident Delap does some of his best work outside the penalty area.
This all-round game would suit Maresca’s style and ensure Delap doesn’t get isolated as a lone striker.
Fending off other teams to secure Delap’s signature is a coup for Chelsea. But can Maresca go a stage further and perhaps bring in someone who might be an even bigger talent than the youngster?
Chelsea’s continued search for a striker
Viktor Gyokeres has been earmarked as a potential signing for the Blues, but Arsenal seem to be the favourites for the Swedish sensation.
Transfer Focus
Mega money deals, controversial moves and big-name flops. This is the home of transfer news and opinion across Football FanCast.
Victor Osimhen is also on the club’s radar, but the one player who Maresca would love to bring to Stamford Bridge is Eintracht Frankfurt centre-forward, Hugo Ekitiké.
Any potential move could cost the club around €100m (£84m) this summer, although it looks like progress is being made.
As reported by French outlet Foot Mercato, that interest in the French striker appears set to be ramped up, with talks already said to be being held.
As per the report, a meeting has been scheduled to take place this week, involving Chelsea and the player’s agents, with Frankfurt having already begun work on acquiring a replacement.
Frankfurt striker Hugo Ekitike
Could the Blues be edging closer to signing another attacking talent?
Why Hugo Ekitike could be an instant Delap upgrade
Although the same age as Delap, the former PSG striker has been performing at a higher level for longer.
Indeed, he made his Ligue 1 debut during the 2020/21 season, going on to score 11 goals in just 28 games for Stade Reims in the French top flight.
Metric (per 90*)
Delap
Ekitike
Shots*
2.29
4
Shot-creating actions*
2.15
3.55
Goal-creating actions*
0.24
0.42
Progressive carries
61
93
Touches in the attacking penalty area
92
196
This, plus an extraordinarily high ceiling for development, saw PSG sign him in the summer of 2022. Lofty expectations in the French capital meant he netted only three goals for the club, starting a mere 14 games.
In truth, he was unable to displace the great triumvirate of Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé and Neymar in Paris. Thus, a move to Frankfurt in the summer of 2023 provided plenty of solace.
Indeed, across his first two seasons with the Bundesliga side, Ekitike has netted 26 goals and registered 14 assists across 64 games. This works out as a goal involvement every 1.6 games.
Analyst and writer Sam McGuire hailed Ekitike as a “shot monster” and a “genuine goal threat” recently, and he has proven this season that he deserves another chance at a major European heavyweight.
Compared to his peers across Europe’s top five leagues, the young Frenchman has exuded superb statistics.
Not only does he rank in the top 6% for shot-creating actions (3.5) and touches in the attacking penalty area (6.73) per 90, he also ranks in the top 4% for progressive carries (3.04) and successful take-ons (1.9) per 90 across the previous 365 days.
Like Delap, he can also drop deeper to link with the midfield, but it is evident that he offers much more of a threat doing so than the Englishman.
Paying £84m for Ekitike could well be a big gamble for Chelsea, but given his statistics for Frankfurt recently, he has all the tools in his arsenal to shine in England.
Delap may be the homegrown talent, but the Frenchman looks as though he has the higher ceiling. That much is certain.
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As Aston Villa look to navigate any PSR concerns and welcome key additions this summer, sporting director Monchi has now reportedly held fresh talks to land a bargain transfer.
Aston Villa facing PSR concern
After spending big in recent years, including in the January transfer window, Aston Villa are now reportedly facing the prospect of a difficult summer transfer window. If Unai Emery’s side fail to qualify for the Champions League, then their problems could be especially troublesome and may even lead to the sale of at least one star man in the coming months.
Those in the Midlands already received a glimpse of just how ruthless Aston Villa must be if they are to welcome further additions during the January transfer window, when they sold Jhon Duran to Al-Nassr for around £71m to make room for the likes of Donyell Malen.
Now, months on, it could be players such as Morgan Rogers or Ollie Watkins who find themselves sacrificed. The duo have both enjoyed excellent campaigns and have both reportedly attracted interest from Chelsea. Villa, of course, will naturally be reluctant to sell to a top five rival, but may have little choice in the matter amid their PSR troubles.
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There could still be an alternative option for Aston Villa to welcome key players this summer, however. If Monchi goes about his business in the right way, then he could land bargain deals rather than selling big to potentially buy even bigger. And one forward would fit perfectly into that category of deals.
Monchi in talks to sign Jonathan David for Aston Villa
According to L’Equipe, relayed by GFFN, Monchi is now in fresh talks to sign Jonathan David for Aston Villa in what would be a bargain deal this summer. The LOSC Lille forward is set to leave the French club as a free agent upon the expiry of his current deal next month, allowing clubs from around European football to come swooping in.
In one swift move, Villa could save themselves a transfer fee and hand their frontline a major boost. At 25 years of age, David is at the peak of his powers, and it’s shown in France this season, with the Canada international scoring as many as 25 goals to showcase his talents to several potential suitors ahead of this summer.
Lille'sJonathanDavidcelebrates scoring their first goal with Edon Zhegrov
Amid such an impressive goalscoring streak, it should come as little shock that David has found himself at the centre of Bruno Genesio’s praise this season. The Lille manager told reporters after his forward reached 101 career goals for the club in December: “Scoring 101 goals speaks volumes. But it’s not just goals for me with Jona. He’s a player who plays a big part in the game and above all, a player who’s full of selflessness.
“He works enormously for the team. We all make an effort, but he’s the perfect example of our team at this level. To have a top striker who makes as many runs and shows as much generosity as he does, that’s pretty rare. I think he’s one of the best (in Ligue 1).”
West Bromwich Albion missed out on a playoff spot this campaign and have now identified a leading candidate to replace Tony Mowbray, according to a report.
West Brom's search for a new permanent manager
Despite being in contention for most of the season, the Baggies were eventually left to concede defeat in their hunt for an Championship playoff place after a run of three victories in their last ten league matches.
Mowbray was sacked by West Brom only three months after completing his return to the Hawthorns, leaving James Morrison in charge for their recent draw away to Cardiff City and 5-3 victory over Luton Town on the final day.
Of course, the former Scotland international is a well-respected figure among supporters of the West Midlands-based outfit, but has admitted the prospect of taking the job permanently may have come too early. And so speculation is beginning to do the rounds surrounding who could take the reigns ahead of next season.
Russell Martin and Steve Cooper are reported West Brom managerial candidates, with both out of work after spells at Southampton and Nottingham Forest, respectively. QPR boss Marti Cifuentes was linked with the post, but it is now believed he could be set to take on a new role elsewhere following talks over the role.
West Brom’s narrow EFL Championship playoff place miss
3. Sheffield United
90
4. Sunderland
76
5. Coventry City
69
6. Bristol City
68
7. Blackburn Rovers
66
8. Millwall
66
9. West Bromwich Albion
64
With their fate now sealed and another year in England’s second-tier on the cards, West Brom are now set for a rebuild this summer and need someone to put the foundations in place for success. In light of this, the Baggies have identified an exciting new candidate that is now in the frame to take over.
West Brom could now hire Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason
According to The Sun, West Brom now have Tottenham Hotspur coach Ryan Mason on their candidate list. However, Spurs’ pursuit of the Europa League could complicate proceedings. The Baggies are willing to wait before deciding their next appointment, which may allow other contenders to move further ahead of the 33-year-old.
He's impressed Pep: West Brom can forget Cifuentes by hiring 4-3-3 manager
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ByDan Emery Apr 30, 2025
Having spent eight years at Tottenham in a playing capacity and several more as a coach, the ex-England international is keen to do the right thing by his boyhood club despite harbouring aspirations to take permanent steps into management.
Preferring a 4-4-2 formation or 4-2-3-1, Mason has six wins and one draw in 13 matches in charge of Spurs across two caretaker stints at the Lilywhites. Now, it remains to be seen if West Brom are willing to wait a few more weeks or whether they are seeking a more imminent appointment to put the building blocks in place for pre-season.
Leeds United are now weighing up whether to make a £3.5 million bid to sign a 26-year-old defender who will likely replace Maximilian Wober, according to a recent report.
Leeds already planning exits ahead of new arrivals
Daniel Farke’s men moved a step closer to the Premier League over the weekend, as a win over Preston North End moved them five points clear of third-place Sheffield United. The Whites now know they need just eight points from the 12 possible to secure a place in the top flight.
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Leeds want to replace the pair this summer.
ByBarney Lane Apr 14, 2025
So as the Premier League dream moves ever closer, Leeds are already looking ahead to the summer transfer window. There are a number of positions that Farke will want to strengthen, as signing a new goalkeeper has become a priority given the poor form of Illan Meslier this season. The Frenchman may soon be on his way out of Elland Road, but he may not be alone, as according to Football Insider, Leeds want to sign a new striker as they believe Patrick Bamford and Joel Piroe are not good enough for the Premier League.
There are doubts at the club about the pair, and therefore, they could be moved on in the hope they can find a better striker in the transfer market.
The departures may not stop there, as Leeds United News states that defender Max Wober is expected to leave the Whites at the end of this campaign. The 27-year-old has had a terrible season with injuries, playing just seven games in the Championship, and despite being under contract until 2027, he could be moved on by Farke, especially if a replacement is found.
Leeds now considering £3.5m bid for Modibo Sagnan
So, given Wober is heading towards the exit door, signing a new defender has become a priority, and according to Africa Foot, Leeds are now considering a move to sign Modibo Sagnan from French side Montpellier.
The report states that several teams are interested in signing the centre-back, who can also play left-back, with the Whites already identifying the 26-year-old as a recruitment priority. It states that Leeds chiefs will have already made contact with Sagnan’s entourage over a possible move to Elland Road in the summer transfer window. Leeds are considering making an offer for the defender, worth €4 million, which is roughly £3.5 million.
Montpellier find themselves in relegation trouble towards the end of this season, and should they be relegated to Ligue 2, it could benefit Leeds when it comes to negotiating a transfer for Sagnan.
Apps
26
Goals
2
Clean sheets
0
Interceptions per game
1.1
Tackles per game
2.2
Dribbled past per game
0.8
Clearances per game
4.4
His potential arrival would see him join Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk, who have been Leeds’ main centre-back pairing in this campaign. The Whites are already incredibly short at centre-back, so if Wober does leave in the summer, Sagnan arrives as an important player and one who could play a lot in the Premier League.
Leeds United are back in action in the Championship once again as they prepare to take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road in the early kick-off this afternoon.
The Whites are looking to bounce back from successive 2-2 draws against Swansea and Queens Park Rangers either side of the international break.
Daniel Farke has already confirmed that there will be one change to his starting line-up for this clash with the Hatters, as Illan Meslier will be dropped to the bench in favour of Karl Darlow.
Why Daniel Farke is right to drop Illan Meslier
The German head coach looks to be making the sensible decision to take the French stopper out of the firing line, after he fumbled a cross for Swansea’s first goal last weekend.
Meslier has now made three errors that have directly led to goals for the opposition in the Championship this season, with the other two coming in away games against Sunderland and Hull.
The left-footed dud has also conceded 2.73 more goals than the average goalkeeper would be expected to based on the xG of the shots against him this term, which shows that he has underperformed as a shot-stopper whilst also being error-prone.
This is why Farke is right to drop him from the side to give Darlow, who has not made a single appearance in the league this season, a chance to shine between the sticks.
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However, Meslier is not the only player who should be taken out of the team, as the former Norwich City head coach must also ruthlessly ditch Dan James.
Why Dan James should be dropped
The Wales international should be removed from the XI as well as the French flop after his disappointing performance against his former club last weekend.
James started on the right side of the attack at Elland Road for the 2-2 draw with the Swans and was not directly involved in either of the two goals that Leeds scored, as Wilfried Gnonto and Brenden Aaronson got on the scoresheet.
Minutes
85
Touches
34
Pass accuracy
50% (8/16)
Shots
4
Goals
0
Key passes
1
Big chances created
0
Assists
0
As you can see in the table above, the former Manchester United man endured a torrid time against Swansea, completing just 50% of his passes and failing to make a significant impact at the top end of the pitch.
The £50k-per-week star has now gone four matches without a goal or an assist, and seven games without a goal, in the Championship, which is why Farke must ruthlessly take him out of the XI for this clash with Luton, given the other options he has at his disposal.
Gnonto scored one minute after coming on for James and the Italy U21 international, who has racked up six goals and five assists in the league, should be brought into the starting line-up this afternoon.
The Italian dynamo’s late goal against Swansea was more than the Welshman has contributed in his last four league outings, and Farke must, now, provide Gnonto with an opportunity to showcase his quality from the start.
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Therefore, Meslier is not the only player who should be dropped against the Hatters, and was not the only player who flopped against Swansea last time out.