Noah Okafor has travelled to Yorkshire today ahead of becoming Leeds United’s ninth summer signing to the tune of a fee north of £17m. But Leeds are not done there yet.
Having already splashed just over £80m on eight new players despite Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Lukas Nmecha being signed on free transfers, Leeds remain in the market for attacking additions this summer.
Okafor finally replaces the departure of Manor Solomon on the left and provides cover up front. Okafor was pictured on a plane on Wednesday morning, heading to Yorkshire before signing on the dotted line.
But Leeds want more with a creative player likely to be the next target. On Tuesday evening, it was said that Leeds are leading the race to sign Nantes’ 22-year-old attacker Matthis Abline before the deadline.
Leeds told how much Nantes ace Matthis Abline will cost
Abline has shot to prominence after having a hand in 13 goals for Nantes last season. Wearing the 10 shirt for the Canaries, Abline was also a part of France’s U21 side in Slovakia at the Euro Championships.
LeedsUnited.News understands Leeds held talks for Abline earlier in the summer, and now, reports say Leeds are leading Wolves in the race for Abline’s signature. RMC Sport say Nantes want £34.5m for him.
The new report from French media claims Abline has made it clear to Nantes he wants to leave, though he did play in Nantes’ first game of the season against Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.
Do Leeds really need Matthis Abline after Okafor signing?
With Okafor set to arrive, Leeds will have five options out wide alongside Willy Gnonto, Dan James, Jack Harrison and Largie Ramazani. Okafor’s arrival may even see Ramazani consider his future at Leeds.
Okafor also adds competition up top, alongside Calvert-Lewin, Piroe and Nmecha. His versatility sees Leeds immediately look well-balanced but he is only one player and can only cover one role at one time.
Bringing in Abline, who like Okafor, can play on both flanks and up front, would provide further depth. At 22, he may be a long-term signing with Calvert-Lewin and Nmecha, immediate fixes. But, very expensive.
Indeed, Abline’s price tag would mean Leeds are just £1m off matching their club-record signing in the form of Georginio Rutter at £35.5m from Hoffenheim in 2023. An expensive fee for arguably a rookie.
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