Leeds United look to have been dealt a setback in the transfer market. Though it’s not their first this summer, and it certainly won’t be their last.
The summer transfer is well underway, and for Leeds United and especially for manager Daniel Farke, it’s an absolutely crucial window.
Get things wrong and Farke could lose his job early doors next season, whilst Leeds could easily go on to be relegated at the first time of trying, as was the fate of the last six promoted teams.
But the Whites have made a positive start to proceedings this summer. Leeds United have confirmed the signing of Jaka Bijol who joins Lukas Nmecha in making the move to Elland Road this summer.
Bijol cost just £15million of what is a rumoured £150million transfer budget at Leeds United this summer, and expect Farke to spend almost every penny of that in an effort to improve his squad ahead of next season.
Leeds United handed clear Joe Gomez message
Centre-back is a position that could do with another new body this summer, despite the signing of Bijol, and one name mentioned recently is Liverpool and England centre-back Joe Gomez. Reports revealed that Leeds United were among the teams interested in signing Gomez this summer.
But speaking to Leeds United News, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has confirmed that the £30million-rated Gomez is intent on staying at Anfield and fighting for his spot in the side, and Arne Slot is equally keen for him to stay. Bailey did go on to confirm that Leeds had asked about the 28-year-old’s availability this summer.
Bailey told us: “Joe Gomez has been the subject of enquiries from a host of teams and Leeds did ask, why wouldn’t they – he is an England international with so much Premier League experience who might be the on the market.
“Leeds have asked the question, I know that. However, Liverpool want Gomez to stay and he is happy battling for his place under Arne Slot. He is staying and he is happy on Merseyside.”
What’s next for Leeds United in the transfer market after Jaka Bijol?
Gomez is just one recent blow that Leeds have suffered in their search for another new centre-back, after Dara O’Shea signed a new long-term contract at Ipswich Town following reports linking him with a move to Elland Road.
Farke now seems more interested in filling the left-back position. Leeds United have several left-back targets but none seem very close to signing as things stand, though like with the Nmecha deal, Leeds could easily pull a new signing out of thin air.
That, and in goal. Illan Meslier is being strongly linked with a move to Turkey and like with the left-back position, Leeds have a number of targets, though none seem like very active targets.
Expect a new goalkeeper and/or left-back to arrive in West Yorkshire in the coming weeks. But they’re just two of many positions that Farke will want to bolster before the summer is out.
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