Euro 2024 is only a few days old but a number of players have already impressed and Leeds United’s talent spotters are likely to be on the lookout for possible additions this summer.
Leeds need to sign a centre-back this summer with Joe Rodon looking more and more likely to leave. Spurs have extended his contract, and all three promoted clubs are interested in signing the Welshman.
Liam Cooper could also depart while Ethan Ampadu may be seen as a midfielder next season by Daniel Farke. Here are three centre-backs Leeds could possibly target, that have already impressed at Euro 2024.
Attila Szalai (Hungary and Hoffenheim)
Hungary suffered a 3-1 defeat to Switzerland in the second game of the tournament but Szalai was more than solid at the back, despite a disappointing season at club level. He will be on the move this summer.
He went to Freibury on loan from Hoffenheim last summer but played eight times. The £10m man won three headers, made two tackles and completed 41 of 47 passes on the left of a three, as per WhoScored.
With Leeds boasting a solid relationship with Hoffenheim having paid a club-record fee to sign Georginio Rutter 18 months ago, there is surely scope for Leeds to target the 26-year-old Hungarian defender.
Vanja Drkusic (Slovenia and PFC Sochi)
Slovenia were unlucky not to beat Denmark side on Sunday, even if Denmark did dominate the first half as Christian Eriksen scored 1,100 days after his heart attack at the previous European Championships.
Drkusic, 24, had to battle with Manchester United’s Rasmus Hojlund and largely kept him quiet. Tough tackling Drkusic was constantly on Hojlund’s toes, while in possession produced some lovely long balls.
The 6ft 2in centre-back has spent the last couple of years in Russia with Sochi but judging by Sunday’s display, he is one that could easily earn a move. Reports say he will leave Sochi after they were relegated.
Milos Veljkovic (Serbia and Werder Bremen)
Another that could leave his current side is Serbia’s 28-year-old star Veljkovic, who was key in limiting England’s lacklustre left flank on Sunday evening. He played on the right of a back three for Serbia.
Currently at Werder Bremen, Veljkovic can play in the middle or even on the left. But his contract with the German side is about to enter the final 12 months, he could use Euro 2024 as a stage for his next move.
Leeds need cover at right-back and left-back as well as centre-back and a player like Veljkovic would be a smart signing. Whether he would want to move to The Championship remains to be seen, with Leeds.
But he knows Ilia Gruev well having played alongside the Bulgarian last term, and a move to England will not be new for him after coming through Tottenham’s academy and going on loan to Boro and Charlton.
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