Leeds United have been credited with an interest in one of Europe’s rising stars of football. But the 49ers simply can’t afford to sign him right now.
Leeds United have a good amount of money to spend this summer. Reports say that Leeds can spend £150million on new players, but so far we’re seeing the club be quite reserved in their spending.
It suggests that Daniel Farke wants to make his transfer kitty last. He has several big positions to fill before the start of the new season and so he can’t be spending too big on one or two players.
But that doesn’t mean Leeds will be totally cautious. Recent reports revealed how Leeds United had bid for Habib Diarra, going up to the £25million mark. In the end, Sunderland outbid Leeds in the race for Diarra, going up to the £30million mark.
Leeds simply wouldn’t go that high. So emerging reports that Leeds United now want to sign Kees Smith certainly cast an air of uncertainty over what the Whites’ transfer policy is this summer.
Leeds United in the race to sign Kees Smith
Smit, 19, plays for AZ Alkmaar. He’s recently burst into headlines after his stunning showing at the U19 Euros this summer where he won the Golden Boot and the MVP award, whilst guiding the Netherlands to victory. Now he’s on the radar of some top European teams.
TBR Football report that Leeds United are keeping tabs on Smit, who counts a number of Premier League teams as his suitors, including Man City and Liverpool, as well as Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and Ajax.
But he won’t come cheap. He’s reportedly valued at the £20million mark and has a contract with AZ until 2028. Smit himself believes he’s already worth much more than that. Speaking after his U19s Euros performances, he told the press when asked whether he’s still worth £20million: “Well, more, I think. Maybe five or 10 million more.”
Leeds United can’t afford these kinds of signings just yet
Everyone wants to sign the next best thing in football. But for Leeds United, where they are right now, these just aren’t the kind of signings they need to be thinking about.
Leeds need to be focused on beating the drop next season and Smit just wouldn’t do much towards that. The 49ers want Leeds United to be in Europe within the next five years and so they can’t afford an immediate relegation.
Already this summer, it’s reported that Leeds United want to sign Premier League-proven players. That means players with experience, and a track record in the top flight which Smit doesn’t have.
Maybe in a few years, if Leeds can establish themselves in the Premier League and have a bit more money in the bank for new signings, then they can start to look at signing these young stars. But right now, this should not be the focus.
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