The Telegraph’s Mike McGrath has reported on Twitter that Genk winger Joseph Paintsil could end up at Southampton in a swap deal with Paul Onuachu – despite reports Leeds were ready to pay £10m for him.
Paintsil, 25, has thrown himself onto the radar of English clubs this summer after his wonderful form for Genk last season. The Ghana winger had a hand in 32 goals last season, scoring 14, creating 18 more.
Phil Hay reported on The Athletic that Leeds were willing to pay £10m for Paintsil – with multiple reports saying it was £8m up front, £2m in add-ons. But an issue between Genk and Paintsil scuppered a move.
So, a move to Elland Road has gone cold. It was always a bit of a strange one, given the amount of wide players Leeds currently have on offer. Especially, as Luis Sinisterra and Willy Gnonto return to the fold.
Now, McGrath reports Southampton are back in for Paintsil. He was linked with a swap before reports of a move to Leeds – with Onuachu returning to Genk. It went cold but McGrath now claims it is back on.
Genk winger Paintsil may join Southampton amid Leeds reports
With Sinisterra and Gnonto remaining at Elland Road – alongside other options in the form of Dan James, Ian Poveda and Crysencio Summerville – why were we in for another winger? We have other priorities.
Central midfield, no.10 and a left-back. Perhaps, signing Paintsil would have allowed Daniel Farke to use Summerville as a 10. But we need to be focusing what little time we have left on the middle of the park.
Perhaps, a left-back if we can – but at least, Sam Byram and Junior Firpo remain at the club. Stuart Dallas could return soon, from the leg break that has ruled him out since April 2022. Paintsil not needed.
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