If anyone was doubting Leeds United‘s ability to spend big this summer, then their £45m deal to sign James Trafford from Manchester City should put those to bed once and for all.
The 49ers have back Daniel Farke once again and look set to back the German at least one more time before the transfer window slams shut at the end of this month.
|
Leeds United’s 26/27 signings |
Position |
Previous club |
Approx. fee |
What they bring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
James Trafford |
GK |
Manchester City |
£40m |
England international goalkeeper with strong distribution and shot-stopping ability. Arrives as Leeds’ new No. 1 and a club-record signing. |
|
Tarik Muharemović |
CB |
Sassuolo |
£34m |
Young, athletic centre-back with strong physical attributes and potential to become a long-term defensive leader. |
|
Harry Wilson |
RW / AM |
Fulham |
Free |
Experienced Premier League attacker who offers creativity, set-piece quality and goals from wide areas and midfield. |
Rumours have mentioned several potential targets who could be next, including Liam Delap, but Leeds’ actual attention could yet turn the way of Nelson Deossa.
The Real Betis midfielder played just 736 minutes last season and that has pushed him closer to the exit door in Spain. In those minutes, he still showed plenty of promise.
He enjoyed particular success in possession, completing 29 dribbles, and that didn’t come at a cost out of possessio. Deossa also won 60% of his duels. Based on those numbers, he was arguably unfortunate to receive such limited game time at Betis.
That can change at Leeds. With Anton Stach struggling for fitness at times last season, a space could quickly open up for Deossa to earn a starting place under Farke. Whether he chooses to seal a move to get exactly that remains to be seen, however.
Real Betis dreaming of selling Nelson Deossa to Leeds
According to ABC Sevilla, Real Betis see selling Deossa to Leeds as the ‘ideal situation’ as they look to open up a non-EU player slot. Previous reports have claimed that the Whites are interested in a deal to sign the midfielder, but those plans could be scuppered by his own exit stance.
Deossa is not ready to give up on life at Betis just yet, as per reports, and is digging in to save his place. He has already turned down a return to Mexico and clubs in South America. Now, even after 49ers officials watched him in person, he could be a difficult target to convince.
However, the reality is that Betis could leave him with little choice. They could force him out if they really want a sale and their priority is a sale to the Premier League – handing Leeds a major advantage.
Leeds step up interest in Igor Paixao
Alongside Deossa, Igor Paixao is also one to watch. The Marseille attacker is back on Leeds’ radar and could finally be on his way to the Premier League if they get their wish.
As per recent reports, Marseille are looking to raise funds and the winger is among candidates to leave as a result – putting Leeds on red alert. Those at Elland Road have stepped up their interest since in a direct reaction.
The Yorkshire club have less than a month to complete their business, having already recruited so impressively this summer.
