Looking at the players that have been linked with Leeds United so far this summer, it is quite clear that The Whites are targeting players with Premier League experience.
Just recently, Leeds have been linked with Everton striker Beto, Kalvin Phillips wants to come back and the club are said to have approached Man City for James McAtee. Players that know the Premier League.
It is a stark contrast to Victor Orta and Jesse Marsch’s approach in 2022-23, which saw recruitment play a big role in Leeds going down. The Whites signed a heap of players with no Premier League experience.
Brenden Aaronson, Weston McKennie, Georginio Rutter, Max Wober, Rasmus Kristensen, Marc Roca and more that season that could not cope with the physicality, intensity and slog that is the Premier League.
Troy Deeney delivers verdict on West Ham star Tomas Soucek
This summer, Leeds are being linked with proven Premier League players. One that has emerged as an option for The Whites is West Ham midfielder Tomas Soucek, who has a contract until June 2026.
He is said to be frustrated at his rotational game time under Graham Potter and Leeds have been linked with a move for Soucek. On Sunday, Soucek scored one of two goals in a big 2-0 win over Man United.
Troy Deeney picked Soucek in his BBC Team of the Week column, but warned West Ham that they must find a way to play without him and Jarrod Bowen – with Leeds eyeing a move for the £19m midfielder.
“Sometimes you watch games and guys stand out on the pitch. Whenever you watch West Ham, Soucek is one of those guys who stands out. He has a solid defensive framework. He heads it, kicks it, tackles.
“Offensively he’s a threat. A really important player for them and they’re going to have to think of a way of moving on from him at some point because him and Jarrod Bowen keep stepping up for West Ham.”
Tomas Soucek would be a top Leeds signing and stats prove it
In this current West Ham side, Soucek is one of the most-important players along with the likes of Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Max Kilman and probably Mohammed Kudus. West Ham will surely want to keep Soucek.
But maybe it is time for a change for Soucek, the chance to earn a longer-term deal and remain in the Premier League for the next two or three years. If Leeds can convince him, it would be a superb signing.
Soucek has shown this season that he is showing no signs of slowing down. Nine of the Czech Republic captain’s 36 Premier League goals have come this term. If Leeds can convince him, it is a top addition.
Receive a digest of our best Leeds content each week direct to your mailbox
