Carlo Ancelotti is one of the greatest managers of all time. Now, Leeds United could be about to sign a player that the Italian rates very highly indeed.
Carlo Ancelotti has left Real Madrid to become the new manager of the Brazilian national side, where he’ll manage a former Leeds United star in Raphinha.
Meanwhile back at Elland Road, Daniel Farke is gearing his side up for what promises to be an arduous 2025/26 campaign in the Premier League following their promotion from the Championship.
But we now have our first signing of the summer, and our first signing of 2025 after Leeds United confirmed the signing of Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer.
Fans will hope it’s the first of many to come this summer. And it might not even be the first signing of this month with growing speculation that Leeds United are about to sign Jaka Bijol from Udinese.
The Slovenian defender looks poised to make the move to Elland Road and another defender who could be joining him this summer is Michael Keane.
Carlo Ancelotti is a huge fan of Leeds United transfer target Michael Keane
Recent reports revealed how Leeds United are interested in signing Keane this summer. The 32-year-old, 12-cap England international is out of contract at Everton and set to leave after an eight-year stint at the club, where he made an impressive 230 total appearances whilst playing under a variety of managers.
One of those managers was Ancelotti. Don Carlo managed the Toffees between 2019 and 2020. His first full season with the club was the 2020/21 campaign which saw Everton finish in 10th, with Keane playing a tsarring role. He featured 35 times in the Premier League and scored three times.
Ancelotti was impressed, oddly enough, with Keane’s finishing ability. He labelled the Stockport-born defender as ‘one of the best finishers at the club’, which Keane replied: “I’m not sure about best finisher at the club, but I’d say I’m up there.”
Daniel Farke could have a new secret weapon if he signs Michael Keane
Leeds will need absolutely everything to stand a chance of staying in the Premier League next season, as seen by the fact that each of the last six promoted teams have come straight back down.
Goals up top, in midfield, and even in defence will be vital, and Keane could be something of a secret weapon if Farke manages to bring him to Elland Road this summer.
With Junior Firpo set to join Real Betis, Leeds United have already lost an attacking outlet in the side. Whilst Keane could be a completely different outlet, he could easily replace those four goals that Firpo scored for Leeds last season, if utilised properly.
Keane could be a starter or an impact player: coming on late in games to either help defend a lead or to help push for a goal, with his presence in the air bound to be a threat for the Whites, as well as his long-range shooting ability.
All in all, this could be a shrewd signing for Farke, especially as a free transfer.
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