Leeds United look as though they will attempt to lure one of Juventus’ players to West Yorkshire during the upcoming summer transfer window.
Leeds have seen themselves be linked with Manchester City’s James Trafford recently, with the Englishman potentially being United’s new first-choice goalkeeper.
Even if they do not land Trafford’s signature, the fact Leeds are linked with that calibre of player shows just how important it is for the Whites to remain a top-flight club.
Because if they do, a Juventus defender could soon be putting pen to paper on a deal at Elland Road.
Leeds linked to Juventus star Federico Gatti
Gatti, 27, is a centre-half who has won eight international caps for Italy and has made 16 appearances for Juventus this season in Serie A, as well as a further five appearances for them in the Champions League.
Despite this, reports from CalcioMercato suggest the towering defender could be “sacrificed” by Juventus in order to raise funds for them this summer.
The report suggests that multiple Premier League clubs would be interested in securing Gatti’s signature, with Leeds said to be competing against the likes of Nottingham Forest, West Ham, Everton and Newcastle for the defender.
Gatti is said to be valued at just under £22million by Juventus, with that fee ensuring they would make a tidy profit on the defender, who they signed from Frosinone for just under £8million back in 2022.
Obviously, a deal of this magnitude could only be completed assuming Leeds retain their Premier League status come the end of the season.
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Data suggests Federico Gatti would be an upgrade on Sebastiaan Bornauw
With Leeds’ formation change midway through the season, meaning they tend to play three centre-backs in most games, Bornauw is currently the Whites’ only natural cover at centre-back, although James Justin has proven to be able to slot in there too when needed.
If United were able to secure a deal for Gatti, the data suggests that the Italian would only increase the competition for places further, with the Juventus man outperforming Bornauw in multiple key areas.
- Gatti averages 0.8 interceptions per game in the league this season, compared to Bornauw’s 0.4
- Bornauw averages slightly more tackles per 90, with 0.7 compared to Gatti’s 0.6
- Gatti also averages more clearances than Bornauw comfortably, with 3.1 compared to his 2.6 (Sofascore)
This quality depth in the squad is something Leeds will need if they want to ensure they are not in this tight of a relegation battle this time next season.
Furthermore, with the Whites going deep in the FA Cup, having a deeper squad would allow Farke to attempt to compete on multiple fronts without worrying about key players getting injured.
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