Leeds United remain in the market for a new centre-back following Pascal Struijk’s departure to Brighton earlier this summer.
The Whites reluctantly sanctioned the Dutchman’s sale once it became clear he would not sign a new contract. With the club also needing to improve their PSR position before the end of June, cashing in became the most sensible option.
Although there has been speculation that Daniel Farke could switch back to a back four next season, strengthening the heart of the defence remains one of Leeds’ biggest priorities.
Replacing Struijk is high on the club’s list of summer objectives, and Farke is eager to have a new centre-back through the door as soon as possible ahead of the new campaign.
Leeds may now have another opportunity to strengthen their defence, after one of their defensive targets has knocked back an offer to move to Saudi Arabia.
Defender target rejects Saudi Arabia offer
Leeds United are working within a tight budget this summer, but still have several important positions to strengthen, including goalkeeper, striker, a left-footed centre-back and central midfield.
The Whites are pushing to sign Nico Elvedi from Borussia Monchengladbach, although the Switzerland international is not viewed as a direct replacement for Pascal Struijk.
That is why Leeds have also stepped up their pursuit of Sassuolo defender Tarik Muharemovic. The 23-year-old is seen as the ideal left-footed replacement for Struijk, and the club have made rapid progress in their efforts to bring him to Elland Road.
Leeds have also explored the free-agent market, with Diogo Leite among the centre-backs under consideration as they look for value.
At one stage, it appeared that opportunity had slipped away after reports suggested Leite was closing in on a move to Saudi Arabian side Al Diriyah.
However, it emerged recently that the defender was making the Saudi club wait, and he is attracting interest from other clubs.
Respected Italian journalist Gianluca Di Marzio has claimed that the deal is completely off.
Leite has rejected an offer to join Al Diriyah and is seeking other options on the table.
Leeds have been chasing him, and they now have a chance to rekindle their interest in the centre-back this summer.
The Whites must get involved in the race
Leeds are having to be smart with their spending this summer, and the free-agent market offers them the chance to strengthen the squad without eating into their transfer budget.
Signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer has already given the club greater financial flexibility, allowing them to keep more funds available for other priority positions, particularly up front.
Diogo Leite has been on Leeds’ radar for some time, and the prospect of playing in the Premier League could prove far more attractive to the 27-year-old than moves to Saudi Arabia or Italy, where Lazio are interested.
With the club still needing to recruit a first-choice goalkeeper, a striker and another midfielder, the opportunity to sign a defender of Leite’s calibre on a free transfer would represent excellent business for Leeds.
