The Europa League has sprung a few surprises, six games into an eight-game first-round campaign, and it looks as if Leeds United are planning to take advantage in January.
Only three teams have won five of their six games so far in Europe’s second of three competitions, and only two of those reside in Europe’s top-five leagues. Aston Villa are one, winning five and losing one.
French giants Lyon currently top the 36-club table with five wins and a defeat in six, boasting a goal difference better than Villa. But the other side, the surprise package of the Europa League, is Midtjylland.
Midtjylland are in second place in the Europa League table, having beaten Roma, Celtic, and even Premier League side Nottingham Forest away from home. Their form has not gone without teams taking note.
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Leeds United send their scouts to watch trio at FC Midtjylland
Interestingly, this is a Midtjylland side that already boast players on Leeds’ radar. LeedsUnited.News has been told that striker Franculino is a target for Leeds, but that the Danish side want as much as £40m.
Then, Midtjylland signed Phillip Billing from Bournemouth in the summer after a loan at Napoli. Billing was a target for Leeds in the summer of 2024, but he ended up going on loan to the Serie A champions.
Now, The Mail claim Leeds are looking at three players aside from Billing and Franculino. One, again, has already been linked with a move to Yorkshire. Leeds are keen on signing Midtjylland’s no.10, Aral Simsir.
Simsir has already had a hand in 22 goals this season. However, two others have been watched by Leeds talent spotters, and they are Mikel Gogorza and Dario Osorio, who are starring in this Midtjylland side.
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The number 10 impressed for FC Midtjylland in front of Leeds' scouts
Meet Midtjylland’s diamond trio Simsir, Gogorza and Osorio
Indeed, Danish-born Turkey international Simsir has been Midtjylland’s creative force, with 15 of his 22 involvements being assists. A player who can play pretty much anywhere in midfield or the final third.
Norway-born Denmark U19 star Gogorza has scored five goals at the tender age of 19 having made the step up from the academy, while 21-year-old Osorio joined the club from Universidad de Chile in 2023.
A 21-time Chile international, the right-winger has now had a hand in 34 goals during 91 senior outings for the Danish giants. All three then, mightily impressive, though Osorio and Simsir are somewhat proven.
Gogorza is still attempting to turn potential into proven quality. If Leeds would be wise in picking one player to be a priority based on form, it would be Simsir, especially given the winger’s versatility.
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