Leeds United have announced their fourth signing of the summer in Gabriel Gudmundsson, and it sees Daniel Farke get one over Jose Mourinho amid reports Mourinho may have replaced him.
In the immediate aftermath of Farke’s Leeds securing promotion, before actually going on to win the title, there was doubt over the future of Leeds’ German gaffer. His Premier League record under the spotlight.
Indeed, Farke has won just six of 49 Premier League games managed, after a season and a half at the top level of English football with Norwich. Many suggested Leeds needed to bring in a different manager.
Jose Mourinho was linked with the Leeds job, his future at Fenerbahce in doubt given he has spent the last two seasons in Turkey. But Paraag Marathe ended speculation by placing his faith in Leeds boss Farke.
Daniel Farke has last laugh over Jose Mourinho with new signing
Following Marathe’s comments, Richard Keys said that Mourinho had actually rejected Leeds and Marathe only chose to stick with Farke because the Special One had chosen to remain at Fenerbahce, over Leeds.
Whether that is true, remains to be seen. But Farke will now get the chance to guide Leeds into the top tier, and look to stop a trend that has seen the last six promoted sides relegated in their first campaign.
Fast forward to now, and Farke has got the last laugh over Mourinho. Not only has he retained his job, but he has signed Gudmundsson. Mourinho wanted to lure Gudmundsson to Fenerbahce this summer.
But the Swedish ace has chosen to join Leeds. Interestingly, Gudmundsson told LUTV that the reason he joined was because, after first being made aware of Leeds’ interest, he saw some Leeds fans in Crete.
Leeds and Fenerbahce continue to be touted with similar deals
Illan Meslier has been strongly linked with Fenerbahce, but those rumours have died down. Mourinho does need a new goalkeeper to replace Dominik Livakovic, and another Leeds want is on Fener’s radar.
Torino’s Vanja Milinkovic-Savic remains a target for Leeds, with talks underway. However, reports say Fenerbahce have made a £4.3m player-plus-cash bid for Milinkovic-Savic, including Rodrigo Becao.
Leeds were even linked with Bright Osayi-Samuel, who has now left Fenerbahce and joined Birmingham City. The chances are that Leeds and Fenerbahce will be at the same negotiating table for other players.
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