Leeds United boss Daniel Farke was speaking to the media this week on the club’s transfer business. He admitted that the team were recruiting using specific requirements for a reason.
Most of the six signings this summer are 6ft or above. They are all used to playing a more ‘physical’ style at their respective clubs. Players like Jaka Bijol and Lukas Nmecha are used to high intensity football.
Farke says the physical requirements are to help the team fare better in the Premier League:
“Of course, if you join the Premier League and you have one of the smallest groups, you expect that probably there is more pressure on you than was perhaps in the Championship,” he explained
“You have to make sure that you are also good at defending crosses. Also more corner kicks, more wide-area free kicks against us. It’s important to be really, really good and strong.
“Also on the other end. Because I’m not sure if we can dominate all of the games in the manner we did on Championship level.”
QUIZ: Can you name the team Leeds United signed these players from?
Status of Leeds United deal for Igor Paixao
Credit: Imago
Leeds have made an official bid of around £26million for the Feyenoord star.
The Dutch side are yet to respond to the offer. But Paixao’s representatives have been impressed with Leeds’ proposal and he could be open to a move this summer. The Whites decided to move after initial talks between Feyenoord and Marseille stalled. The French side were not keen on meeting the asking price.
Marseille could make shock return
According to French journalist Sebastien Denis, Marseille could be back in the race for Paixao:
“Igor Paixao still wants to join OM (Marseille), with whom he already has an agreement.” he wrote on X.
“His agent has offered him to Roma, while Leeds has made an offer similar in broad terms to that of OM (around €30m).
“Negotiations are still ongoing between OM and Feyenoord to try to reach an agreement.”
Leeds need to seal deal
Signing Paixao ahead of some of Europe’s top clubs would be a big statement. Leeds have not been afraid of being ambitious and going all out. Looking at the current summer signings, not many clubs in the Premier League can match that collection of players.
Finalizing a move for the Brazilian could be key to how the rest of the summer transfer window goes.
