Leeds United are in the market for a new centre-back following Pascal Struijk’s departure, and the club’s recruitment team are weighing up several options.
The Whites had hoped to keep the Dutchman, but once it became clear he would not sign a new contract, they reluctantly sanctioned his sale before the end of June.
Ladislav Krejci has emerged as one of Leeds’ leading defensive targets this summer. However, Wolves’ £40m valuation has given the club plenty to think about, with the Whites reluctant to pay such a hefty fee.
Leeds have been assessing several centre-backs in the ongoing transfer window, and one such defender is close to completing a move to Saudi Arabia.
Diogo Leite is close to joining Saudi outfit Al Diriyah
The 27-year-old centre-back’s contract with Union Berlin expired at the end of last season, and he refused to sign a new deal with the German club.
Leeds were amongst the clubs who were interested in snapping up Diogo Leite on a free transfer this summer, and he was also linked with a move to Everton.
However, according to Fabrizio Romano, the defender is closing in on a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in the ongoing summer transfer window.
His representatives are in advanced negotiations with Saudi outfit Al Diriyah over a deal to take Leite to the club in the coming days.
The talks are at an advanced stage, and Al Diriyah is close to finalising an agreement to sign the centre-back on a free transfer this summer.
A move to the Premier League was mooted, but the centre-back is now close to finalising a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia in the ongoing transfer window.
Leeds need a centre-back as soon as possible
Pascal Struijk’s departure has created a hole in the squad that is yet to be filled, with the squad set to reassemble for pre-season training.
Daniel Farke wants to sign a left-footed ball-playing defender to fill the Dutchman’s shoes ahead of the start of the 2026/27 season, but no deal is imminent.
Leeds have been looking at several centre-backs, but they could consider a move to sign England defender John Stones on a free transfer this summer.
With Leeds also needing a striker, a goalkeeper and another midfielder, a move to sign an experienced defender for no transfer fee makes a lot of sense.
It would allow them to stretch their budget to sign more players and plug the obvious gaps in the Leeds squad.
