Leeds United could still sign Premier League star they thought slipped through their fingers

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Leeds United’s transfer window has been riddled with players they have missed out on, but now they could be delivered a second chance.

Early in the window, Igor Paixao skipped out on Leeds United and chose Marseille instead, much to the annoyance of Leeds fans when he said it was an ‘easy choice.’

Another player Leeds missed out on, according to Graham Smyth was Ritsu Doan, who could have operated as a winger or No.10.

Now, despite these shortcomings Leeds may have been delivered a second chance when it comes to one Premier League target.

Rodrigo Muniz is back on the market after deal falls through

Fabrizio Romano revealed on X that Atalanta are closing in on a deal to sign Nikola Krstović from Lecce, as their move for Rodrigo Muniz is off after Atalanta failed to agree on a fee with Fulham.

Bad news for Fulham, but this could be good news for Leeds United, given that previous reports revealed that Muniz is Leeds United’s number one striker target for this summer.

Although Leeds have signed Calvert-Lewin on a free transfer, it is understood that Leeds United could be paying hefty wages for Calvert-Lewin, which could have an impact on the club’s summer transfer budget.

Despite worries around affordability, it doesn’t take away from the fact that Leeds could still bring him in if they wanted to.

Muniz isn’t just a goalscorer; his physical, hold-up play and aerial ability would perfectly suit Daniel Farke’s system, bringing others into play and giving Leeds a crucial focal point in attack.

After a breakout season at Fulham, he has proven he can perform at a high level. The collapse of the Atalanta deal presents a golden opportunity for Leeds to sign the exact striker they need to bolster their squad for the upcoming season.

Leeds United may have already moved on from Rodrigo Muniz

Despite Muniz possibly becoming available yet again for Leeds, the club appear to have secured another player to fit the striker mould.

Leeds United News revealed Leeds’ interest and first signs of having Noah Okafor interest. It was then stated by Beren Cross that the AC Milan forward was being looked at by Leeds.

Further Okafor movement was expected today and LUN exclusively revealed Okafor to Leeds is done, pending a medical on Wednesday morning. It means Okafor should be registered in time to face Arsenal and Farke has been instrumental to the deal.

Leeds are paying Milan around €20 million for the 25-year-old, with £13 million for Okafor the primary fee, although the add-ons will take it closer to £18 million according to Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell. 

Okafor’s versatility is a game-changer; he can lead the line as a central striker, operate as a false nine, or play as an inverted winger.

This flexibility provides Daniel Farke with multiple tactical options, making the signing of another out-and-out striker less of a priority.

While Muniz offers a different, more physical style of play, Okafor’s pace, dribbling, and technical ability could better suit Farke’s high-pressing, fluid attacking system.

With a top-tier forward now secured, Leeds’ transfer funds could be better allocated to other positions that still need strengthening.