Looking to make a statement by doing what Nottingham Forest failed to do, Leeds United have reportedly joined the race to sign a USA international.
Leeds’ transfer plan after Bijol
After welcoming Jaka Bijol from Udinese, it looks as though Leeds’ summer business is far from over. Their focus following the defender is reportedly transfixed on signing fresh midfield reinforcements and one of the biggest names mentioned on that front has been Douglas Luiz. The Juventus midfielder is set to leave Turin this summer and could be on his way back to the Premier League courtesy of those at Elland Road.
He’s not the 49ers’ only option, however. Reports have also mentioned the likes of Habib Diarra – going as far as to suggest that the Whites have already submitted an offer to sign the Strasbourg captain this summer. The interest should come as no surprise as Leeds step into the Premier League either, given the partnership that he would form with Ao Tanaka.
|
League stats 24/25 (via FBref) |
Habib Diarra |
Ao Tanaka |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,352 |
3,584 |
|
Progressive Carries |
61 |
38 |
|
Tackles Won |
13 |
58 |
|
Ball Recoveries |
90 |
217 |
When compared it is, as if often the case, Tanaka who stands out but Diarra has plenty to offer in his own right and his ability to progress play whilst carrying possession would hide one of the few weaknesses that the Leeds star has.
Even if they secure a deal to sign Diarra, however, Leeds still may not be done with their summer business. The 49ers are seemingly looking to make a statement this summer and create a squad capable of first avoiding Premier League relegation, then so much more.
With that target in mind, the American owners have now reportedly joined the race to sign a UCL-level star ahead of Leeds’ top-flight rivals.
Leeds join Timothy Weah race
According to The Guardian’s Ed Aarons, the 49ers and Leeds have now joined the race to sign Timothy Weah from Juventus this summer after he rejected the chance to join rivals Nottingham Forest.
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He is ‘really appreciated’ at Elland Road.
The American international was left out of Juventus’ squad to face Manchester City in the Club World Cup on Thursday alongside Samuel Mbangula after the Italian giants reached an agreement with Forest, before Weah burst their bubble in ruthless fashion. Now, Leeds, Everton and Bournemouth have set their sights on signing the winger.
Dubbed “one of the most versatile players in world football” by Sky Sports’ Dougie Critchley, Weah was used as a forward and on both flanks for Juventus last season. Despite that, he’s now on the move – potentially leaving Leeds to take full advantage.
In one swoop, Leeds could deal Forest a frustrating blow and land someone who’d quickly become a key member of Daniel Farke’s squad at Elland Road.
