There may have been a few doubts over Adam Underwood’s capability for the sporting director role at Leeds United, but he is certainly proving the doubters wrong in the last fortnight.
Having never held a position like his current role before, Underwood was promoted by Leeds to the role left vacant by Nick Hammond’s move to Everton. The 49ers chose to promote from within, in Underwood.
Ahead of what is such a crucial summer window, Leeds fans were left concerned that Underwood would not be able to cope with the pressure or mix it with the big boys. Well, that opinion is starting to shift.
After signing Lukas Nmecha on a free ahead of other Premier League sides – according to Leeds’ website – The Whites are also closing in on Jaka Bijol while also making a bid for Strasbourg star Habib Diarra.
Strasbourg president gives Leeds the green light for Habib Diarra
Leeds have made a £22m bid for Diarra, but Strasbourg are delaying a response in hope that others are tempted to make bids. Everton and Brighton are among the other Premier League sides keen on Diarra.
Leeds fans are desperate for Diarra to arrive after watching him score for Senegal in a friendly against England, hours after reports of the bid emerged. Now, Strasbourg’s president says Diarra will leave.
Speaking to RMC Sport this week, Strasbourg president Marc Keller said about Diarra: “There’s one player who’s due to leave based on a promise I made to him two years ago: our captain, Habib Diarra.
“When he extended his contract, we told him he was extending it, but that he wouldn’t leave until June 2025. So if we get an interesting offer for him and for us, he could leave,” Keller continued on his captain.
What Habib Diarra and his agents think about Leeds United move
Leeds are well aware that they are fighting ambitiously in the transfer market. A move for Bijol is seen as a real coup, not least because Italy’s biggest and best want him – but also Newcastle were linked with Bijol.
To win the race for the Slovenian is impressive work from Underwood and the transfer team. However, the Leeds team are less confident they will be able to get a deal over the line for Diarra, due to Strasbourg.
The French side are clearly willing to sell but after missing out on European qualification, they want every possible penny for Diarra. Diarra himself and his agents see him joining an elite club currently in Europe.
Perhaps, a move to Leeds then is ambitious on all fronts but in terms of making a bid for Diarra, Leeds seem to be on their own in pursuit of the Senegal star. Strasbourg will have to make a decision on it soon.
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