Leeds United are expecting to make a couple of signings over the next few weeks as Daniel Farke looks to put the finishing touches to what he hopes is a squad capable of winning the Championship title.
The additions of Joe Rothwell and Jayden Bogle have brought key ingredients to already a top side, with Bogle providing a mirror image of what Junior Firpo did during the second half of the 2023-24 campaign.
Leeds lacked a bit of creativity from deep in midfield but on-loan Rothwell gives Farke that, as well as a bit of much-needed experience at the age of 29. Farke still wants another full-back, and a midfielder.
Leeds have just three options on each side of the defence in Firpo, Bogle and Sam Byram and that needs addressing this summer. Especially, given duo Firpo and Byram’s injury record over the past few years.
Norwich City’s Gabriel Sara emerges as ‘key’ Leeds target
Indeed, Norwich’s Brazilian ace Gabriel Sara is a ‘key target’ for Leeds. The 26-year-old starred last season, largely from holding midfield with Norwich often playing a similar 4-2-3-1 system to the one Farke uses.
He had a hand in 25 goals, given the license to get forward. He was also used at times as a no.10, and is much more attacking than the Leeds ace that occupied that position for Leeds last term in Glen Kamara.
Sara is believed to be rated at £17m and Leeds are confident of a deal over their rivals in pursuit of Sara, due to their close proximity. It is also said Sara wants to leave Norwich after missing out on promotion.
What new Norwich manager said about Sara’s future this month
Johannes Hoff Thorup has replaced David Wagner in the Carrow Road hotseat and is faced with an issue, they have to sell one big name this summer order to balance the books as parachute payments dry up.
Norwich are in the last year of the three-season parachute payment system, with the drop from second to third year significant. Despite that, Thorup stated his intention to ignore Sara rumours earlier this month.
As per the EDP, he said: “He’s definitely professional with a capital P. He’s amazing in everything he does and that’s what we can see on the pitch whenever he performs – he has a full focus on what he can affect.
“All the other things outside the pitch with rumours and other clubs linked, I think he will leave that to the side. We’ll leave transfer rumours, stuff like that for someone else. That’s not for me, that’s not for Gabby.”
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