Leeds United are expected to spend big this summer but if they are to bring in the reinforcements required, they will need to supplement the big-money moves with loans and free transfers.
Leeds need a goalkeeper, a centre-back, a replacement for Junior Firpo and possibly cover too, a new midfielder or possibly two, Manor Solomon or another winger and a proven Premier League forward.
That could mean Leeds have to bring in eight signings, before having to replace any surprise departures. Premier League-quality players cost £30m these days, but Leeds obviously can’t do that eight times.
It means a loan or two, or possibly a couple of free transfers for players at the end of their contracts is crucial. One player set to become a free agent on Leeds’ radar is Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Leeds are the only Premier League side after Abdoulaye Doucoure
Leeds have been linked with a plethora of free agent signings and 32-year-old Doucoure is one of them, after Everton confirmed Doucoure would leave. David Moyes says Doucoure has a better offer elsewhere.
Now, a report from Africa Foot outlines what is on the table for Doucoure. They say Saudi Pro League sides Al Shabab and Al Ettifaq have both tabled offers, believed to be £57,000 and £85,000 a week.
That falls below Doucoure’s massive demands of £160,000 a week. Aleksandar Mitrovic’s Al Hilal, newly-promoted Neom and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Al Qadsiyah also want to lure him to Saudi Arabia.
Qatari side Al Sadd are also in the mix, as are Italian giants Roma – with Roma’s owners The Friedkin Group now in control at Everton. The only Premier League side listed as interested in Doucoure are Leeds.
Abdoulaye Doucoure urged to join Leeds in the coming weeks
It all depends on Doucoure’s stance, now. Does he want another go in the Premier League or does he want a big pay cheque, and move to Saudi Arabia at this stage in his career? It is down to Doucoure.
If Doucoure wants to remain in the Premier League, he will know that his wage demands of over £8m a year are unattainable. Even if Doucoure is versatile, able to play as a holding midfielder, box-to-box, or 10.
But, in the Middle East, he is. Former Mali star Mahamadou N’Diaye has urged Doucoure to join Leeds: “He’s one of the most experienced players in the league. He could be a great addition to Leeds United.”
At 32, Doucoure could do a couple of years in the Premier League and then move to the Middle East. But the money on offer will be huge and hard to turn down for a player entering the twilight of his career.
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