Leeds United have spent most of this transfer window protecting their players from various suitors. Even with these efforts the club lost many players to bigger clubs but has also made profits in the process.
One of the main areas to be hit is midfield. Both Glen Kamara and Archie Gray left Elland Road leaving a big gap in the club’s midfield. The duo played a significant role last season when the club tried to gain promotion to the Premier League.
Although the efforts to get promoted failed too, the departures have left a big dent in the squad. Glen Kamara only spent one season at Elland Road where he made 42 appearances for the club.
The Finland international had cemented his spot in the middle of the park at Elland Road. Archie Gray was a big loss too who had made 52 appearances for the club in a single season at such a tender age.
Gray being a Leeds academy graduate was hoped to be the future of the club. However, fate had other plans and now he will be playing in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur.
The Whites have been searching for players to replace these departures. Dejan Ljubičić, Bobby Clark and Jordan James were the big hopefuls but no new updates regarding these players have come in recently.
Transfer market heats up as Leeds United joins the race for Mandela Keita
Credits: Imago Images
According to Gazet van Antwerpen, Leeds United have identified another midfield target amidst other rumours. The Whites are eyeing Royal Antwerp and Belgian national team midfielder Mandela Keita.
The 22-year-old is also being monitored by Manchester United, Leicester City, Nottingham Forest, Blackburn Rovers and Norwich City. A very high-profile battle indeed but a small transfer fee might ease up The 49ers’ chances of securing the midfielder.
Keita is priced at around £8 million which is a feasible amount for Leeds to pay considering their player sales this summer. The club is yet to make an official approach but as the transfer deadline draws close, The Whites are expected to make their move in the coming weeks.
Mandela is a defensive midfielder who made 39 appearances for Antwerp last season. He also made three assists in the process. The Belgian midfielder is known more for his defensive capabilities.
He can break up opposition attacks and can play as a lone midfielder or a No.6 which could provide United with stability down the middle. Overall he could be a valuable addition to Leeds’ squad adding a dynamic option to the middle of the park.
