Leeds United are in the market for at least one full-back this summer, with James Justin of Leicester City earmarked as one option.
It’s said that, with Isaac Schmidt potentially heading to Werder Bremen, Daniel Farke will sanction his exit from Leeds United if the 49ers replace the Swiss utility player with a versatile option.
Irrespective of that fact, a Leeds United News exclusive revealed the 49ers want to add in at least one full-back, but we also explained that Leicester’s Justin is on Leeds’ radar following the Schmidt news landing.
We have also suggested that Joakim Maehle should be on Leeds’ full-back shortlist, given his proven quality but also his undeniable versatility.
James Justin alternative emerges in the form of Mattia Zanotti
Justin has a wealth of Premier League and Championship experience and he is in the final year of his contract with the recently-relegated side. Leeds fans already like the idea of Justin’s versatility as well.
However, other full-backs have always been possibilities for Leeds. Another has now emerged as a potential target for the club this summer.
Leeds and Lugano are said to be in advanced talks for Mattia Zanotti, with negotiations progressing over a potential €10 million (£8.7 million) fee.
Journalist Lorenzo Lepore also claims that Monaco and Fulham remain interested but are “currently in the background” of this deal.
The full-back predominantly plays as a right-back but has operated as a right-sided wing-back as well, while left-back and centre-back are positions he has featured in a handful of times in his career.
The 22-year-old Italian has been with the Swiss side for a year after arriving permanently from Serie A giants Inter Milan. Zanotti was linked to Leeds last month.
Mattia Zanotti’s career stats so far
After an impressive 2023/24 season on loan with FC St. Gallen on the opposing flank to Isaac Schmidt, Zanotti penned a four-year deal with Lugano.
He also has 18 caps for the Italian U-21 side, which highlights his potential for both club and country. His next steps are likely to be back to a ‘Big-Five’ league away from the Swiss top flight.
| Team | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Inter Milan | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| St. Gallen | 35 | 3 | 5 |
| FC Lugano | 44 | 2 | 11 |
However, Leeds United News sources have confirmed since that he is not someone Leeds are interested in signing this summer, with other full-backs a priority to replace Schmidt instead.
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