Leeds United have left things to the final day and could announce two or even three new signings on Thursday, but they have chosen to move on from the signing of a Championship player.
Deadline day is upon us and Leeds are expected to announce the addition of Japan star Ao Tanaka. The midfielder is in the building and said to have done a medical ahead of a £3.4m move until June 2028.
Then, Leeds will address their lack of depth at full-back with the signing of left-footed right-back Isaac Schmidt. He played for St. Gallen last night, but Schmidt will arrive in Leeds to complete a £2.5m transfer.
Daniel Farke wanted four signings after Georginio Rutter’s exit and the additions of Tanaka and Schmidt will see Leeds do that, after bringing in Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon on loan from Tottenham.
Leeds choose to move on from signing ‘electric’ Burnley attacker
But Leeds could make an attacking signing too, and one player that has been linked is Manuel Benson at Burnley. The Belgian was left out of Scott Parker’s side in their last league game, and is expected to move.
Leeds held talks to sign Benson, and were even considered to be on pole position to sign the “electric” star with Benson keen on a move to Elland Road. But now, the YEP have delivered an update on a move.
They say that after showing genuine interest in Burnley’s Benson, Leeds have made the decision to move on from the Burnley ace and a deadline day move to Yorkshire for the Belgian now looks very unlikely.
Who could Leeds sign on deadline day aside from Tanaka?
Tanaka should be announced in due course, while plenty of attention will be given to getting a deal completed for Schmidt. Others continue to be linked, most notably Freiburg’s Hungary star Roland Sallai.
Farke hinted in Thursday’s press conference that Leeds could look at bringing in a no.10, saying that USA star Brenden Aaronson is the only natural no.10 in the side. But time is running out for Farke and Leeds.
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