The feel-good factor was firmly in place at Elland Road in the summer of 2020 with Leeds promoted and Victor Orta bringing in new signings – a player he wanted was Florentino Luis, and now Arsenal and Liverpool are scouting him.
Leeds had completed deals for the likes of Rodrigo, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente and Raphinha. In the same summer, ESPN reported that Leeds wanted to sign Luis. But he went to Monaco on loan, and then Spanish side Getafe the next.
This season, he has returned to Benfica and played in every single one of his side’s 42 matches in all competitions. The Portugal U21 star has been key for Benfica in midfield this term, reaching the next round of the Champions League.
Indeed, Benfica have lost just two of those matches – one on penalties, and unbeaten in the Champions League. They are eight points clear at the top of Liga NOS and Florentino, nicknamed ‘O Polvo’ or ‘The Octopus’, has been immense.
Leeds wanted Florentino Luis, now Arsenal and Liverpool scouting him
90Min claim that Arsenal and Liverpool have sent scouts to watch Florentino this month, while Tottenham are also keen. It is unclear how much he would cost. But Portuguese outlet Record say he has a release clause worth £107m.
Leeds are hardly in need of a holding midfielder as things stand. Tyler Adams is easily one of our best players, while Weston McKennie could sign permanently in the summer. Marc Roca is easily adequate cover in the middle of the park.
Even if we did need a player like Florentino, Leeds have probably missed the boat given his form this season at Benfica. The quality he has shown in the Champions League is proof that he is good enough for a team in that competition.
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