Leeds United have landed their main targets this summer. Their first three signings went smoothly, and the deals were wrapped up quickly.
Some of this is down the club’s affiliation with Red Bull; according to Graeme Bailey Leeds now have all the information on players in Germany. This gives them an upper hand when it comes to identifying and signing targets. Sebastiaan Bornauw even mentioned that the Whites’ interest in him was from as far back as January.
The past few days have not been ideal for Leeds United.
QUIZ: Can you name the missing sponsor on these 10 Leeds United shirts?
Leeds United update after Sunderland complete signing
Credit: Imago Images
Sunderland signed major target Habib Diarra, after the Whites were in talks with Strasbourg. Leeds’ alternative Noah Sadiki, is also heading to the Black Cats after Fabrizio Romano announced the deal on Wednesday. The 20-year old midfielder will cost the newly promoted side around £17million including add-ons.
Many thought the Whites were in talks, or had at least sent in a bid for the Union Saint-Gilloise midfielder, however that is far from the case. Graeme Bailey confirmed that Leeds only had some interest in the player:
“[Sadiki] is another one they like. There’s clearly a type of player,” he told Leeds United News.
“They want to boss that midfield. I think Diarra was first choice initially, that’s why they went for him. I’m told it’s just conversations and Leeds haven’t made a bid [for Sadiki] and there are a few options out there.”
Anton Stach shows Leeds recruitment is solid
One thing has been clear throughout this saga; Leeds’ recruitment team are doing a very good job. It is clear the kind of midfielder the club is after: a ball winner who can progress play quickly, and has a decent level of athleticism. The Whites’ three targets so far all fall under this – Anton Stach, Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki.
Credit: DataMB
If Diarra and Sadiki were so good that another Premier League club paid over their value to sign them, then maybe Leeds know what they are doing after all.
Aton Stach is one of the best ball-winning midfielders in Europe, and he will make a great addition to the first team if he arrives.
