Leeds United are expected to bring in a raft of new signings this summer all over the pitch, with a surprise situation emerging at full-back with The Whites suddenly requiring additions.
This season, Leeds have been well-stocked on either side of the defence. Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle have started most games, while Sam Byram has filled in. Isaac Schmidt joined the club in August 2024.
Max Wober and Ethan Ampadu have also operated out of position on each side of the defence at times during the 2024-25 campaign. But Leeds could lose two, if not three of that list in the coming weeks.
Byram is expected to leave when his contract ends even if Byram has made it clear he would like to stay at Leeds, while Firpo is ‘close’ to a move to Betis. Max Wober is also set to leave Leeds this summer.
Leeds could make surprise move to sign Vladimir Coufal on a free
That means Leeds need full-backs and one option that has emerged this week is West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal. The Hammers have confirmed that Coufal will leave West Ham this summer, on a free transfer.
Reports say that Leeds and Everton want Coufal, with the player telling his agent – former Reading player Stephen Hunt – to find him a new club in the Premier League. LeedsUnited.News has learnt of talks.
Indeed, Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Coufal’s representatives have actually held talks with Leeds: “There is truth in that his people have spoken to Leeds – he is under consideration.”
Why Vladimir Coufal is the perfect Sam Byram replacement
The players linked with Leeds recently represent one thing in common, Premier League experience. Beto, Sean Longstaff, Caoimhin Kelleher, Jamie Vardy and plenty of others have been touted as new signings.
Leeds are looking to bring in players with top-flight know-how. Coufal is certainly that, clocking up 145 Premier League appearances during his time at West Ham and available on a free, he saves money.
Now 32, Coufal is past his best but the Czech Republic star is solid and reliable. At West Ham, Coufal has played on either side of the defence, his versatility making him the perfect replacement for Byram.
The latter has covered Firpo when the Dominican Republic international is injured or suspended, away from his natural position of right-back. Leeds need cover on both sides and Coufal is able to do both.
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