Leeds United have now completed their first summer signing and are said to be closing in on defender Jaka Bijol, with Adam Underwood now getting the ball rolling as sporting director.
Lukas Nmecha arrived at Elland Road on Sunday and put pen to paper on a two-year deal. The Germany international has agreed a pre-contract move, which sees him officially become a Leeds player on July 1.
The Man City academy graduate’s arrival comes after four years at Wolfsburg, joining the club on a free. His arrival came out of the blue but when Jaka Bijol finally signs, his addition will be more one of relief.
Bijol has been regularly linked with Leeds over the last few weeks, with an initial bid rejected. Talks are ongoing and Bijol has already agreed to join Leeds – even though Newcastle have shown interest in Bijol.
However, Bijol is not the only potential signing. Leeds have made a £22m bid for Habib Diarra and now, things are progressing according to reports regarding Diarra coming out of France in the last 24 hours.
French media say Habib Diarra move to Leeds is now ‘imminent’
There was a feeling at Leeds that despite making the bid for Diarra – who scored for Senegal against England earlier this month – a deal would be difficult to do. Everton and Brighton also want to sign Diarra.
Well, it looks as if Leeds may be about to do a deal. French outlet Team Football claim Diarra’s exit is now ‘imminent’ and Strasbourg have identified a replacement for their captain, with Diarra ‘leaving for Leeds’.
Liam Rosenior’s side have picked Mahamadou Doumbia at Royal Antwerp with a fee of less than £10m said to be enough. Doumbia has been approved by Strasbourg’s Chelsea owners ahead of a possible bid.
After Bijol and Nmecha, Leeds desperately need midfielders
With a deal for Bijol said to be getting closer and Nmecha already signed, Leeds really need to place some focus on midfield. Josuha Guilavogui and Joe Rothwell have both left Leeds after spells last season.
It leaves just Ilia Gruev and Ao Tanaka, who boast no Premier League experience between them and then skipper Ethan Ampadu, who has only played 26 times in the top tier. Leeds need a bit of experience.
Diarra adds massive quality. Stamina and an old-fashioned type midfielder able to make an impact in both boxes. But Leeds cannot stop with just Diarra – they need one that knows the Premier League.
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