Leeds United wanted Real Sociedad attacker with £52m release clause during summer window

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Leeds United ended the transfer window with 10 signings and more than £100m spent, but failed to bring in any new additions on deadline day with Harry Wilson targeted.

Fulham pulled the plug on Leeds’ move for Wilson, even though the Wales star was ready to move to Elland Road. Fulham have signed Samuel Chukwueze and Kevin, but had a last-minute change of heart.

Daniel Farke made it clear he wanted attacking signings going into the final day of the window, after the 0-0 draw against Newcastle United on Saturday. But Farke’s demands went unfulfilled on deadline day.

Farke wanted a versatile attacker, one that can play as a 10 or out wide and Wilson ticked the boxes. Others like Bilal El Khannouss, Nico Gonzalez, Facundo Buonanotte and more have joined other clubs.

• READ MORE: Leeds have agreed a permanent exit for Darko Gyabi, as he joins Hull City

Leeds wanted Real Sociedad star Takefusa Kubo during summer

According to Graham Smyth on the YEP’s website, another option for Leeds during the summer was Real Sociedad’s Japan international Takefusa Kubo. A diminutive attacker who has starred while at Sociedad.

Joining Real Sociedad in the summer of 2022, he has gone on to play 140 times in all competitions for the La Liga side. In that time, Kubo has had a hand in 42 goals – and has now earned 44 caps with Japan.

Smyth says Leeds wanted to lure Kubo to Elland Road. But, Smyth says a move never came to fruition because he never became available for an affordable price. GOAL say he has a £52m release clause.

Leeds United never stood a chance of signing Takefusa Kubo

Kubo is an ambitious target and a player that is probably in the pool of players currently out of Leeds’ reach. The same kind of pool as Igor Paixao, which ultimately proved true as Marseille signed him.

Not only that, but Kubo has a contract at Sociedad until the summer of 2029. It means that Sociedad could charge what they liked for Kubo and it might have been, they will have wanted the release clause.

Bayern Munich were said to be interested in Kubo, as per the aforementioned GOAL report. Other big European clubs wanted Kubo, who has remained at Sociedad. Perhaps, one to watch in the future.