Leeds United’s midfield underwent substantial surgery last summer, with three new players joining in Daniel Farke’s first window, but one man chose to reject the offer of Elland Road.
With Marc Roca, Tyler Adams, Adam Forshaw, and Weston McKennie all leaving Leeds for various reasons following their relegation, the club was forced to bring in three new faces, including Glen Kamara from Rangers.
Another was Ilia Gruev from Werder Bremen in Germany, and while Ethan Ampadu has recently shone as a centre-back, he was recognized as a midfielder when Daniel Farke signed him for Leeds in 2023.
Archie Gray was promoted to the senior team from the academy, and the rest is history. But one guy Leeds sought to bring over the line was Kenny McLean, whom Farke has previously described as “irreplaceable”.
Fast forward a year, and Leeds need additional midfield
Even if Leeds preserve players like Gray and Gruev, who have already sparked interest this summer, the club still needs another midfielder. Gray has been playing defense with £7 million man Ampadu.
For much of the second part of the season, Leeds’ midfield options were limited to Gruev and Kamara. Leeds need another body, and considering a move for McLean, 33, would be ideal.
While nearing the end of his career, Norwich’s Player of the Season fills a void in Leeds’ lineup. That bit of experience is something Daniel Farke mentioned when he stated his team lacked a Sam Morsy.
Rangers want to recruit Scotland’s star McLean, but Leeds must move.
McLean signed a new deal with Norwich after Leeds made a £4 million bid, which he rejected in order to stay loyal to the Canaries. Farke has definitely worked with McLean before as Norwich manager.
This time, McLean may feel the need to transfer after another painful season at Norwich, which ended when Leeds knocked them out of the Championship play-offs with a 4-0 triumph at Elland Road.
According to the Daily Record, Rangers want McLean back north of the border. However, if McLean demonstrates his willingness to leave Norwich, Leeds must compete for his services this summer.
The need for another midfielder, with Farke well knowing that Leeds lack the expertise of an elder player with extensive Championship experience, such as Morsy or McLean, and that Leeds had previously expressed an interest in him.
All of this points to Leeds returning to the market to recruit McLean from Norwich, beating Rangers to the punch.
