Leeds United seem to be targeting players that are proven in the Premier League this summer, learning from the mistakes made by Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta three years ago.
The summer of 2022 saw Leeds bring in a whole influx of talent having built a sizeable transfer kitty after the sales of Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. But Leeds chose to sign players from abroad, instead of home.
In came Brenden Aaronson, Rasmus Kristensen, Tyler Adams, Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra, Max Wober and a club-record move for Georginio Rutter among others. Not one minute of Premier League football, prior.
It backfired. Some were struck like rabbits in headlights while others like Sinisterra and Roca could not physically compete in the Premier League – suffering injuries or having to be subbed after 60 minutes.
Leeds change tack with Sean Longstaff a target this summer
This time around, Leeds are looking for Premier League know how and experience. One player on the radar at Elland Road is Newcastle United star Sean Longstaff with The Toon requiring a £10m fee.
Longstaff has entered the last year of his contract and Eddie Howe has opened the door for a Longstaff move in the last fortnight. Ahead of Sunday’s game against Chelsea, Howe spoke about him again.
He told BBC Sport how Longstaff has fared since the links with Leeds: “He has been brilliant behind the scenes, he is training well and he’s got undoubted qualities. He also has a contract for next year.”
What Eddie Howe has said about Longstaff’s future, this week
Clearly, Longstaff’s future at Newcastle is a hot topic. A Toon academy product, Longstaff has played 170 times for Newcastle but is behind the impressive trio of Joelinton, Bruno Guimaraes and Sandro Tonali.
Howe once again, discussed Longstaff’s future – indicating a decision is his alone:” The control is very much in his hands as to what he wants to do for his long-term future. We are delighted to have him.”
Longstaff is just one of a number of players to be linked with Leeds, that have Premier League know how and experience. Just on Sunday, Man City’s James McAtee has been touted with a move to Elland Road.
Everton striker Beto, England goalkeepers Nick Pope, James Trafford, Aaron Ramsdale and Sam Johnstone as well as Milan striker Tammy Abraham have all been linked with Leeds in the last few weeks.
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