Leeds United will need to start thinking about new recruits this summer, and one player to consider is anticipated to depart Southampton.
With Jaidon Anthony returning to Bournemouth and Ian Poveda being a free agent, Leeds are short on attacking options. Brenden Aaronson has returned, but Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto are still slated to go.
Summerville is highly regarded by Newcastle manager Eddie Howe, and Liverpool and Chelsea are also interested in signing him. Nottingham Forest are reported to have made a £16.9 million approach for Willy Gnonto.
Leeds could begin the 2024-25 season with only one acknowledged senior winger, Dan James. Daniel Farke and the 49ers should start thinking about some signings before then.
Leeds should contemplate raiding their play-off final rivals. Southampton
Southampton are prepared for a fight to stay in the Premier League, but one player they are willing to transfer is 21-year-old Sekou Mara. The Saints bought the Frenchman for £11 million from Bordeaux in 2022.
He impressed in Ligue 1 as a teenager, scoring seven goals in 34 games and earned a move to Southampton. However, in 22 top-tier English appearances, he only scored one Premier League goal and assisted twice for the Saints.
The first of those assists came against Leeds at Elland Road in Jesse Marsch’s first complete season. Leeds led 2-0 against Southampton before drawing 2-2, but’superstar’ Mara scored the Saints’ second goal.
Sekou Mara’s attacking versatility is exactly what Leeds needs.
Leeds lacks a player who can play throughout the front line. On both flanks, at the top, or as a 10. Mara is a visionary player, as evidenced by his assist for Kyle Walker-Peters’ equaliser at Elland Road.
But he also has pace and a keen eye for goal, regardless of his position. Africa According to Foot, Southampton value him at £8 million, with Turkish side Goztepe close to a deal, but Leeds should step in and sign him.
He is the type of player who has previously excelled under Daniel Farke, the lively attacking player who can thrive under the German’s tutelage. Leeds should pay £8 million to sign Mara from Southampton.
