Daniel Farke and the recruitment team have been assessing their options ahead of this summer. Leeds United know they need a good enough team in order to survive in the Premier League next season.
The Whites lost a major core last summer, and have not adequately replaced them. Leeds lost Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville – both players won EFL Player awards last year. Georginio Rutter was also a shock departure, the attacking midfielder topped the team with 15 assists last season.
Ao Tanaka joined the club this season, but Daniel Farke will need more additions to the squad. Former Premier League star Lee Sharpe warned the Whites to build a huge squad to survive the top flight.
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Leeds United eye Southampton star
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Recent reports suggest that Leeds United are in the market for a midfielder this summer. Sources claimed that Daniel Farke would prefer one with Premier League experience. Abdoulaye Doucoure, Sean Longstaff and Tomas Soucek have been some of the names linked with Leeds over the last couple of weeks.
Doucoure seems to be off the table, as he eyes a move to Saudi Arabia. West Ham are open to selling Soucek, while Newcastle boss Eddie Howe has said Longstaff’s future is down to the player.
Now it looks like the club have found a new target. Alan Nixon is reporting that Leeds are prepared to spend £30million on Southampton midfielder Mateus Fernandes. Nixon believes that the Portuguese star is a ‘priority’ for the club this summer.
Aston Villa and Crystal Palace are also keeping an eye on the 20-year old.
Fernandes is an all-rounder
The youngster has primarily played as an attacking midfielder for the Saints this season, but he is much more than that. He has some versatility and possesses the intelligence to fit in multiple roles. Southampton have even used him as a striker sometimes.
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His statistics show that he can be an upgrade on Brenden Aaronson. Fernandes can pass, is decent on the ball and has the athleticism to be good in the press under Daniel Farke. Leeds should really consider this deal to add some depth to their team.
