Leeds United have added Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic to their squad this summer as they look to build on last season’s 14th-place finish in the Premier League.
The Whites secured Wilson on a free transfer after persuading the Wales international to turn down interest from several Premier League clubs as well as teams across Europe.
They also believe they have landed a major signing in Tarik Muharemovic, with the Bosnian centre-back choosing Elland Road despite attracting interest from clubs competing in European football.
Leeds are in the market for a few more additions before the end of the transfer window, and are considering several players who could be considered as statement targets.
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Graham Smyth reveals the priority statement signing for Leeds United
Persuading players to buy into the club’s vision has become a key part of Leeds United’s recruitment strategy.
Last summer, the lure of Premier League football helped bring Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach to Elland Road. This time, Leeds have once again shown the strength of their project by convincing Harry Wilson and Tarik Muharemovic that the club was the right destination for them.
Leeds are in the market for a goalkeeper following Karl Darlow’s departure, and want to make a real statement with their goalkeeping acquisition.
Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has claimed that Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford is the goalkeeper Leeds will prioritise.
He is seen as a statement target at Elland Road, and Leeds are desperate to convince the Englishman to consider a move to Yorkshire this summer.
Smyth said on the Inside Elland Road podcast: “For me, Trafford is the one that they will really prioritise and focus on.
“And try to get that one done, which would be a real statement.
“Wilson is a statement, Brandt would be a statement, and Trafford would be a really significant statement.”
Manchester City’s valuation is a problem. However, the 49ers are crunching the numbers to ensure Leeds are in the mix for Trafford this summer.
James Trafford won’t be enough to solve the goalkeeping woes
Leeds were already planning to strengthen their goalkeeping department before Karl Darlow rejected a new contract and completed a free transfer to Manchester United.
Lucas Perri had looked set to leave Elland Road this summer, but Darlow’s departure has forced the club to reassess its plans.
Alex Cairns is not considered a genuine Premier League option. The experienced goalkeeper is yet to make a senior appearance for Leeds and is currently viewed as the club’s third choice.
Even if Leeds succeed in signing their first-choice target, James Trafford, they will still need another goalkeeper through the door before sanctioning Perri’s departure. That has made the Brazilian’s proposed move to Torino far less straightforward than it initially appeared.
Unless the Whites can bring in two new goalkeepers before the transfer window closes, Perri is now expected to remain at Elland Road for at least another season.
So why give Cairns a new contract, are you for real, not good enough off you go, Charles forget move on, you need two Gk, Mf and St at least, and not the cheap options on 30+ year olds looking for there retirement plan! 🙈
Remember Pablo Hernandez, and his superb performances for LUFC Malcolm … he was 31 years old when he joined, and 36 when he left, as an absolute LEGEND. If the club can manage to get 30 years old Julien Brandt to join the club then, they have my full blessing
They probably view Alex Cairns as an important training ground goal keeper, makes absolute sense to keep him and give him another contract. Behind the scenes hes been the consummate professional, keeps his head down & gets on with what he’s there for.
I agree 100% with JDC ! What he says is completely right. So Malcolm Richardson reckons 30+ players are past it ? Jesus, look at Mr Messi and Mr Ronaldo, 39 and 41, would you have either of those 2 @ ER ?? So you wouldn’t take Brandt @ 30 ????? Jesus.
Sorry, almost forgot Malcolm. We made a terrible mistake by bringing Wilson at 29 yrs of age to ER on a free ! So dangerously close to the pensionable age of 30 [ as you near enough put it ] !!!