Leeds United have made a strong start to the summer transfer window, but Daniel Farke and the club’s recruitment team still have plenty of work to do before the new Premier League season gets underway.
The Whites opened their business by signing Harry Wilson on a free transfer before spending £34m to bring Tarik Muharemovic to Elland Road from Sassuolo.
They then made their biggest move of the summer, breaking the club’s transfer record to sign James Trafford from Manchester City for £45m. The England international is expected to take over as Leeds’ first-choice goalkeeper.
However, not every transfer target has ended up at Elland Road. Leeds missed out on Julian Brandt after the Germany international opted to join Ajax, while their pursuit of Shea Charles also came to an end after the midfielder completed a move to Fulham.
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Leeds United battle Ipswich and West Ham for midfield target
Leeds United scouts were in attendance to watch Colombian midfielder Nelson Deossa against Arsenal last week, and he certainly gave them something to remember. The midfielder scored a superb left-footed strike as Real Betis secured a 3-1 victory.
Deossa turned down a move to Vasco da Gama this summer and has since attracted interest from several clubs, including Leeds, who have been monitoring his progress closely.
According to Football Insider, Leeds are seriously considering making a move to sign the midfielder before the end of the transfer window.
However, the race is open as several other English clubs are also interested in getting their hands on Deossa in the coming weeks.
Newly promoted Ipswich Town and Hull City have their eyes on the midfielder, and even relegated West Ham are interested in the Real Betis star.
Leeds have some work to do before they can secure an agreement to sign Deossa before the end of the transfer window.
Deossa is also reluctant to leave Betis, even though the club are keen to sell him this summer.
Do Leeds need Nelson Deossa?
Leeds United finished last season with plenty of depth in midfield, so adding another player in that position did not initially look like a major priority.
However, the club’s pursuit of Shea Charles suggested Daniel Farke feels there is still room for improvement in the middle of the pitch. Charles has since joined Fulham, but Leeds could now turn their attention to Nelson Deossa. If they decide to make a serious move for the Colombian, though, they may need to make room by moving someone on.
Ilia Gruev is still recovering from a knee injury, which makes a summer exit difficult. That could put the futures of Sean Longstaff and Ao Tanaka under greater scrutiny if Leeds bring in another midfielder.
For now, though, the sensible approach may be for Farke to stick with his current options for another season and focus the club’s resources on positions where reinforcements are more urgently required.
