Jaka Bijol and Habib Diarra could well be Leeds United’s first two summer signings but there is plenty more to do, with a new no.10 expected to be targeted by Adam Underwood.
The 49ers have set aside a transfer budget of £150m this summer, with Leeds prioritising four positions. The additions of Bijol and Diarra cover the central midfield and centre-back issues at Elland Road.
But there are more issues that need to be sorted out. Two other reported priorities are a new goalkeeper and a striker, with Joel Piroe yet to play in the Premier League and often frustrating fans last season.
However, Leeds and Underwood will know that they cannot just make four signings. There is a need to replace Junior Firpo and Manor Solomon, as well as signing a better version of Brenden Aaronson.
Eduard Spertsyan opens door to possible Leeds United move
If Leeds need a no.10, then look no further than Krasnodar skipper Eduard Spertsyan. The star of a side that Daniel Farke briefly managed before leaving due to the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
Spertsyan scored twice for Armenia on Monday night in a 2-2 friendly draw against Montenegro, after a stunning free-kick in Armenia’s first game of the international break, a 5-2 defeat to Kosovo on Friday.
Leeds are interested in signing Spertsyan, who is rated at £17m. Now, Spertsyan has been discussing his future while on international duty with Armenian outlet Sportaran, saying it is his dream to play in Europe.
Indeed, he says it was the right move to remain another year before leaving this summer: “Looking back, we definitely made the right decision last year for me to stay one more season. I said it a year ago.
“You have to win something and then leave. We’ll see what happens this summer. The dream is there – to play in Europe, in top-level Champions League and Europa League matches. Playing in a top league.
“That’s my biggest dream, something I work toward every day. As for “following in [Henrikh] Mkhitaryan’s footsteps,” I believe everyone has their own path. Henrikh had his, and I will have mine,” Spertsyan said.
Why Eduard Spertsyan is absolutely the perfect no.10 signing
There is no doubt Leeds need better. The addition of Diarra may see Leeds be a bit more defensive in midfield. Diarra is a box-to-box midfielder and could start alongside Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka.
But Leeds still need a better no.10 and Spertsyan is that. Now captain of Krasnodar, the 25-year-old has had a hand in 76 goals in 143 games, last season managing 18 goals and assists in his 35 appearances.
Aaronson only managed 11 goals and assists in the Championship, wasting many opportunities. He is aware that Leeds may sign a better no.10, with Aaronson already said to be considering his Leeds future.
With Joe Rothwell leaving, Spertsyan replaces that lack of set-piece specialist. All for a bargain fee below £20m. If Leeds are to continue a promising start in Diarra and Bijol, then the next move is Spertsyan.
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