Leeds United have got to start thinking about incoming signings at some point this summer and one player they should consider is expected to leave Southampton.
With Jaidon Anthony returning to Bournemouth and Ian Poveda now a free agent, Leeds are lacking in attack. Brenden Aaronson is back, but Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto are still expected to go.
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe is a big admirer of Summerville with Liverpool and Chelsea are also looking at a deal for the Dutchman. Nottingham Forest are said to have tabled a £16.9m bid for Willy Gnonto.
The chances are, Leeds could start the 2024-25 campaign with just one recognised senior winger in the form of Dan James. Daniel Farke and The 49ers need to start considering a few signings before then.
Leeds should consider raiding play-off final rivals Southampton
Southampton are preparing for a fight to survive in the Premier League but one they are ready to sell is 21-year-old Sekou Mara. The Saints signed the Frenchman in an £11m deal from Bordeaux in 2022.
He impressed in Ligue 1 as a teen, scoring seven goals in 34 games and earning a Southampton move. But he managed just one Premier League goal in 22 top-tier English games, laying on two Saints assists.
The first of those assists came against Leeds at Elland Road during Jesse Marsch’s first full season. Leeds drew 2-2 with Southampton, having lead 2-0 but ‘superstar’ Mara was on hand to create Saints’ second.
Sekou Mara’s attacking versatility is just what Leeds need
One thing Leeds do lack is a player that can play all over the front line. On both flanks, up top or as a 10. Mara is a player that has vision, as seen at Elland Road when setting up Kyle Walker-Peters to equalise.
But also speed, and an eye for goal whatever position he is in. Africa Foot say Southampton value him at £8m, with Turkish side Goztepe halfway to doing a deal but Leeds would be wise to step in and sign him.
He is the kind of player that has starred under Daniel Farke in the past, that exciting type of attacking player that can shine under the German’s guidance. For £8m, Leeds should raid Southampton for Mara.
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