Leeds United look to be making a conscious effort to improve upon the spine of the team. The Whites are expected to add more signings ahead of the start of pre season.
There are plans in place for a new goalkeeper after rumours surrounding a potential Illan Meslier exit. As it stands, no club has made an approach for the Frenchman. Jaka Bijol was added to bolster an already quality backline. Joe Rodo and Pascal Struijk were a solid pairing last season, and now Bijol arrives to add serious competition.
Up top, the arrival of Lukas Nmecha means that Joel Piroe will not be the undisputed starter in attack.
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Leeds United set to make second bid for Habib Diarra
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A midfielder will arrive this summer, with Habib Diarra looking like the main target. The Strasbourg captain has impressed this season, with Leeds keen to add him to their team.
Reports claimed that a first bid from the Whites has been rejected. Africa Foot are now reporting that Leeds have returned with a £23.9million bid, which is reportedly close to Strasbourg’s £25million valuation. There is optimism that a deal can be reached, especially after the French club’s president admitted that this summer would be Diarra’s last at the club.
“There’s one player who’s due to leave based on a promise I made to him two years ago: our captain, Diarra. When he extended his contract, we told him he was extending it, but that he wouldn’t leave until June 2025.”
“So if we get an interesting offer for him and for us, he could leave.”
Diarra could be the key in Leeds’ midfield
Leeds’ current midfield options are very good on the ball at controlling games. The midfielders also have the dynamism to cover ground defensively. Diarra’s addition could give a new dimension to the club.
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Daniel Farke fancies building his attacks from wide areas, but with Diarra, the club could focus more on creating centrally. The Senegalese international is not a number 10, but he can influence play with is chance creation and progressive passing.
