Leeds miss out on striker target as MLS confirm £5m capture, three-year contract

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Leeds United were being linked with a move for striker Sam Surridge from Premier League side Nottingham Forest this summer, but the Whites have missed out on the forward with Surridge completing a £5m move to the MLS.

Surridge, 24, had spent the last 18 months of his career at Forest – helping them gain promotion to the top tier last season after joining Forest in January 2022. But he leaves having managed just 11 goals, four assists in 50 games.

This summer, he was likely to be one of a number of players that left Forest after an influx of new signings in the previous year left Steve Cooper with a bloated squad. Phil Hay reports that Leeds were looking at a move for him.

However, with the Whites focusing on deals for Ethan Ampadu and Karl Darlow, Surridge has moved on. In a bit of a surprise move, Surridge has swapped England for the MLS at just 24 – joining newly-formed Nashville for a £5m fee.

Leeds linked with Sam Surridge, striker completes £5m move to MLS

It is a shock move for Surridge but clearly, he felt he was in a position in his career where he wanted to try a new challenge. He has that in the MLS with Nashville. He joins USA stalwart Walker Zimmerman, and Hany Mukhtar.

For Leeds, the Whites are still likely to be in the market for a new striker. Joel Piroe of Swansea remains the one that has been linked the most, after his 19 goals last season. He is likely to cost a fee between £15m and £20m, though.

Leeds need to make a decision. We do have options. Rodrigo has gone. Patrick Bamford remains but an exit is still a possibility. Joe Gelhardt is back after loan, Mateo Joseph is coming through, Georgie Rutter remains. One to watch.