Leeds United have shown a penchant for free transfers this summer. They snapped up Lukas Nmecha and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on free transfer deals. The club have another chance to sign another England star for no transfer fee in the coming days.
The Whites are gunning to add more forwards to their squad before the end of the summer transfer window. Leeds looked bereft of ideas and creativity in their EFL Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday on Tuesday night, and the focus is on adding more goals and flair to their final third in the coming days.
However, Leeds are alive to other market opportunities and are prepared to add players to other areas of their squad if certain options become available in the final days of the summer transfer window.
The injuries to Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have led to suggestions that Leeds could bring in one more midfielder, and a Premier League and Champions League-winning midfield operator is now available on a free transfer.
Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from in the 2000s?
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Leeds United target Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is available on a free transfer
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has been heavily linked with a return to England this summer following an unsuccessful spell at Besiktas.
The former Arsenal and Liverpool midfielder was in negotiations with Besiktas over terminating his contract, which would allow him to leave on a free transfer.
Besiktas have confirmed in a statement that the England star’s contract has been terminated and he is now available on a free transfer.
The Turkish giants were keen to get him off their wage bill as well as to reduce the number of foreigners in their squad this season.
Oxlade-Chamberlain has received compensation of around £1.5m from Besiktas to leave the club this summer.
Leeds have been linked with an interest in him, and are said to have offered him a contract earlier in the transfer window.
Oxlade-Chamberlain as midfield cover makes sense
The 32-year-old is a vastly experienced player and won the Premier League and Champions League when he was at Liverpool.
A midfielder by trade, Oxlade-Chamberlain is a versatile player who can also operate on the wings and even provide cover as a full-back in the squad.
He is Premier League proven, has big-game experience, and most importantly, he is available on a free transfer this summer.
Leeds also do not have to decide on him soon, as his free agent status means that he can join even after the September 1st transfer deadline.
Oxford marmalade is not the answer – if he’s failing elsewhere he will continue to do so at Leeds. Who’s next on the list Kalvin Phillips, at least he would give his all for his beloved Leeds but maybe his time has past. I am not paid to scout talent yet even as a mere fan I can spot a pup when I see one.