When clubs are promoted to the Premier League, it gives them status and more importantly, money. Leeds United got a taste of that last summer when they splashed the cash in the transfer market.
Over £100 million was spent on 10 different players in one transfer window.
And the Whites were able to sign some top players from across Europe. Leeds signed Jaka Bijol from Udinese, Gabriel Gudmundsson from Lille and got Anton Stach from Hoffenheim.
Newly-promoted clubs can attract players at this level because of Premier League football. A lot of players will take a huge gamble on the switch to England even with the threat of being relegated.
Now that Daniel Farke’s side have secured another season of top flight football, they can get even more high-profile players on board.
Leeds United prepare club record bid for Champions League star
And per reports, that is exactly what the club are planning to do this summer. A Bola in Portugal, are reporting that Leeds United are keen on signing Sporting CP center back Ousmane Diomande this summer.
The Whites have identified the defender as a priority target this summer. Diomande has his sights set on a move to the Premier League.
Chelsea, Arsenal and AFC Bournemouth are also currently monitoring the situation.
Per the report, Leeds will do everything possible to sign Diomande, even if it means a club record fee. The Whites could end up paying more than the £36 million they bought Georginio Rutter for.
Sporting CP have a £69 million release clause for Ousmane Diomande, but reports indicate that they could listen to offers in excess of £43 million this summer.
The 22-year old is currently with the Ivory Coast national team ahead of the World Cup this summer.
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What this means for the first team
Diomande would be a massive upgrade in the first team and would immediately become a starter in this Leeds team. However, if the move is to be completed, some things could change.
Such an expensive transfer could mean that one of the current options could be on his way out.
And this could be Pascal Struijk, who is entering the final year of his deal. The Dutchman received offers last summer, but the club rejected them.
Struijk has already hinted that he is open to leaving to play at a ‘higher’ level. Clubs like Aston Villa and Newcastle are said to be monitoring his situation, and if Diomande is a target, the defender could be sold.
Cant see that happening or any other of the so called links! 🙈