Leeds United have made seven signings this summer and could complete an eighth soon. The club have had a plan when it comes to recruitment this summer.
Daniel Farke already spoke on why the club targeted players with specific physical characteristics. The Leeds boss says the team needs height if they are to deal with crosses and win their duels in the air. And they have bought physical players too including Anton Stach and Jaka Bijol.
Former Liverpool defender has praised Leeds for building a team that can physically match teams in the top flight:
“I read a report that Leeds were identifying, only players who are above six foot. Everyone was going to be a giant who they were going to bring in. That’s what you might need!”
“So, maybe that’s a template Leeds are looking at this season, because I think it’s vital for the Premier League that one of those clubs stay up at least.
QUIZ: Can you name these 10 former Leeds United strikers?
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Aleksandar Mitrovic could be set for Leeds United move
Aleksandar Mitrovic
Credit: Imago Images
Speaking of tall players, there has been a huge development. Per Globo Esporte, Al-Hilal striker Aleksandar Mitrovic could be headed to Leeds this month. With the arrival of Liverpool striker Darwin Nunez, Mitrovic is now considered not in the team’s plans for this year.
The Serbian could be looking for a way out, as implied when his camp reached out to clubs in England, including Leeds.
Mitrovic has three years left on his contract and earns around £25million-a-year. But per the report, Al Hilal could be willing to pay him off for him to leave the club. It is unknown whether he can leave as a free agent though. There could also be a possibility that the Saudi Pro League side ask for a small fee to complete the move.
Is a deal for Mitrovic feasible?
With the arrival of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, the chances of this happening are very slim. Not even factoring the finances that will be needed to facilitate a deal. If Mitrovic is returning to England, he will be hoping to be on similar wages to what he was getting in Saudi Arabia.
Calvert-Lewin’s arrival will disrupt the wage structure as the former Everton star was close to £100,000. Leeds cannot have him and Mitrovic’s wages on their books when they have not gotten rid of Patrick Bamford. So at this point in time, a move for Mitrovic is almost impossible this summer.
The wage bill will hold for a season, if they can get Mitrovic on loan. They might do something in the cups.