Leeds United already have plans ahead of this summer. The club will have some transfer funds to spend after having a very quiet January transfer window.
The Whites have some key decisions to make, with over five first team players returning on loan. Depending on what happens in the coming months, the club will have to sell these players, or keep them around.
That is not the only issue at the club, as plans are in place for a new striker. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s goal drought has been concerning, and the club feel like the England man needs competition. A new goalkeeper could be high on the list, with Karl Darlow, Alex Cairns and Illan Meslier out of contract.
Leeds United keen on summer move for £13m rated midfielder
Midfield could be an area of need, given the recent news surrounding Ao Tanaka. Reports claim the Japanese midfielder is attracting interest from clubs in Germany and England. Nothing has been confirmed so far, and Tanaka could be set to make a decision on his future at the end of the season. Farke does not seem to fully trust the 27-year old in recent months.
According to Africa Foot, Leeds United are ‘preparing’ a transfer offer for Rennes midfielder Djaoui Cisse. The 22-year old is said to be a priority target for Bayer Leverkusen, and reportedly has a £13 million to £15 million price range. West Ham, Aston Villa, Arsenal and Newcastle are also said to be monitoring the situation.
READ MORE: Leeds United expected to be handed major £85m financial boost
Club should not stray from recruitment strategy
Djaoui Cisse is a very good prospect, and would fit in at many clubs. But Leeds have had a successful run with transfers over the last few years. Just last summer, the club focused on signing top quality players on affordable transfer fees. The Whites were able to get the likes of Anton Stach, Gabriel Gudmundsson and Jaka Bijol for less than £20 million each.
Continuing with a tried and tested recruitment strategy has brought Leeds some success as seen this season. Some of the players the clubs signed have been standouts, and will be very valuable come this summer. Cisse is not a bad player, but may not fit the profile Daniel Farke wants for the Premier League considering his experience. The club’s current options of Ampadu, Gruev, Tanaka, Stach and Longstaff should be enough for the short term.
