Leeds United have come up short in a number of transfer battles this summer, and it looks like there’s another to add to the growing list.
So far this summer, Leeds United have signed seven new players, and on the whole, the signings have impressed the Elland Road faithful, with many fans optimistic of their chances of competing in the Premier League next season.
In particular, the signing of Anton Stach looks like it will prove to be good business from the Whites. In the last friendly game against Milan, Leeds United fans hailed the performance of Stach who looked competent in midfield, commanding and a physical presence too.
But there remains more to do for Daniel Farke before the September 1st deadline. In particular, Leeds United need more attacking signings with a number 10 looking like it’s a key priority position for the 49ers.
Brenden Aaronson filled that role last season, but he gave a lot of mixed performances. There are also rumours that Aaronson could leave Leeds United this summer, though right now that looks unlikely given the lack of depth in his position.
It’s surely over for Leeds United and Emi Buendia
One player who Farke is a fan of is Emi Buendia. His former player at Norwich City, Leeds United tried to reunite Farke and Buendia in the last January transfer window. In the end, Buendia joined Bayer Leverkusen on loan, but when Leverkusen rejected the chance to sign Buendia on a permanent deal from Aston Villa, his future was once again brought into question and Leeds United were once again linked with a move for the Aston Villa man.
However, over the last few weeks, Buendia has come back into contention at Villa Park. Speaking to Leeds United News recently, transfer expert Graeme Bailey gave his verdict on the chances of Leeds United signing Buendia after his strong run in pre-season and Bailey said: “I’m told by Villa sources that Buendia is playing himself back in contention there. But if the season starts and he doesn’t play in the first two games, he comes back into the window.”
| Team | Games | Goals | Assists |
| Norwich | 121 | 24 | 41 |
| Aston Villa | 97 | 10 | 9 |
Then on Saturday in Villa’s final pre-season game against Villareal, Buendia scored in the 2-0 win and was hailed by Birmingham Live for his performance. All the signs are pointing towards Buendia not only playing in Aston Villa’s opener against Newcastle United on Saturday, but potentially starting and starring for Unai Emery’s side.
- READ MORE: After double transfer rejection, Leeds United are making an ‘attempt’ to sign £35m star instead
Leeds United’s main target for the no.1 spot is becoming obvious
As a deal for Buendia starts to look more and more unlikely, and links to the likes of Gustavo Hamer and James McAtee at Manchester United rapidly fade away, Leeds United seem to be turning their attentions to Bilal El-Khannouss instead.
The Leicester City man has been linked with a move away from the King Power, and there are multiple Premier League clubs, including Leeds, in the race to sign the Moroccan international midfielder this summer. The latest on the situation is that Newcastle United have now joined the race to sign El-Khannouss this summer, but he’s certainly not going to come cheap.
Despite Leicester City’s relegation to the Championship, it is claimed that El-Khannouss has a staggering £29 million release clause at Leicester City this summer. That was despite initial reports suggesting that the clause was £24.5million instead.
With Buendia having quickly played himself back into the first-team picture at Villa, Farke may well put all his focus on a deal for El-Khannouss, with time rapidly running out in the transfer window and the Premier League season right around the corner.
Leeds United’s game against Everton kicks off at 8pm on Monday evening.
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