One area of the Leeds United squad that will require investment this summer is central midfield, especially if Ethan Ampadu remains in central defence alongside Joe Rodon.
Many are of the opinion and certainly after the recent run of results, that Ampadu is a better centre-back than Pascal Struijk and his ‘Welsh Wall’ connection with Rodon is a better partnership in the defence.
That would leave Leeds light in midfield, with Josuha Guilavogui “almost certainly” leaving Elland Road and Joe Rothwell only on loan. It is unclear if he will be signed, though Aidy White wants Rothwell to stay.
The fact that Leeds had to bring in Guilavogui as an emergency signing shows a lack of depth in the middle of the park. Leeds were left with just two options after Ilia Gruev and Ampadu’s injuries.
Anthony Dennis’ agent opens door to Leeds United transfer
One midfielder Leeds have been linked with is Goztepe’s Nigerian midfielder Anthony Dennis. Reports from Africa say Leeds have opened talks to sign 20-year-old Dennis from the Turkish SuperLig outfit.
A fee of £4.2m is said to be required to land Dennis, with St. Pauli of Germany, French side Rennes and Georginio Rutter’s Brighton also interested. Dennis’ agent has now opened the door to a move this week.
Eddie Bonsu told Africa Foot that Dennis could move: “He’s a high-quality player, and it’s no surprise his name is being mentioned in the major leagues. We want the best for Anthony, now and in the future.
“So we’re approaching everything with caution. As for his future position next season, we’ll make the best decision and see. In the end, all parties involved will be satisfied; let’s wait and see,” Bonsu continued.
Anthony Dennis career in numbers so far after Nigeria call-up
In March, Dennis was called-up to the Nigeria squad even if he actually failed to make the bench in games against Rwanda and Zimbabwe. But it was a sign that Dennis is already being regarded highly.
Joining Goztepe in the summer of 2023 from Nigerian side HB Abuja, he is already only three games shy of clocking up 50 senior appearances for Goztepe. The Turkish league is certainly growing in standard.
However, it is still some way from the Premier League and initial links began while Leeds had not won promotion. There is every chance that Dennis was viewed as a possible Championship signing for Leeds.
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