The rumour mill continues to link a whole host of Premier League players with Leeds United as The Whites look to add some top-flight know-how to Daniel Farke’s promoted side.
Clearly, Paraag Marathe and The 49ers have learnt from the last summer window Leeds United had ahead of a Premier League season. Three years ago, Leeds were armed with cash after selling two key players.
Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips left the club for Barcelona and Man City, raking in a combined £100m. But Jesse Marsch and Victor Orta chose to sign players with no Premier League experience in that window.
In came Marc Roca, Luis Sinisterra, Tyler Adams, Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson – all failing to make the grade. This time around, it looks as if Leeds want players with Premier League experience.
Leeds fans all in agreement that they should sign right-back
The likes of Beto, Sean Longstaff, James McAtee and a plethora of different goalkeepers all with Premier League experience – like Caoimhin Kelleher and Sam Johnstone – have all been linked with Leeds so far.
Another player touted with a move to Elland Road is West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal. Leeds and Everton are said to be keen, while Graeme Bailey told LeedsUnited.News that Coufal’s agents are in talks with Leeds.
Reacting to the reports on social media, Leeds fans are all for the signing of Coufal from West Ham – with The Hammers confirming Coufal will leave alongside Danny Ings, Lukasz Fabianski and Aaron Cresswell.
With Sam Byram and Junior Firpo leaving, Leeds will be light at full-back. But one supporter says Coufal “can be our Sam Byram” next year, while another supporter simply said “I’d take him definitely”.
One fan said “he would not start” but believes Coufal would be a solid signing because he is “good cover for [Jayden] Bogle” and boasts “bags of experience”. Coufal has clocked up 145 Premier League outings.
There are some question marks over whether Coufal can still operate at Premier League level but West Ham expert Damien Lucas believes it would be a “fantastic move” for all parties involved in a deal.
Another Leeds fan agreed with Lucas’ verdict, simply stating “still a decent player and would do a great back-up job.” Whether Leeds look to act on their initial talks with Coufal’s agent, remains to be seen.
What Jamie Carragher and Robert Snodgrass said about Coufal
Coufal is a well-liked member of the West Ham side renowned for his crossing ability but his defensive solidity and toughness. Jamie Carragher picked him in his 20-21 TOTY, declaring once “I love him”.
To earn the praise of one of the longest-serving Premier League players is certainly worth something, while Robert Snodgrass played with Coufal at West Ham and was also a big fan of the Czech defender.
Snodgrass described Coufal as a “clever footballer” and that top-tier knowledge is something that will prove to be invaluable in the Premier League when it comes to fighting survival back to the second tier.
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