Leeds United are apparently looking to sign the ‘next Lionel Messi’ this summer.
With the window ready to open in seven days, Leeds’ recruitment team will be finalising their list of targets.
Leeds are prepared for a hectic summer in the coming months, with the failure to earn promotion expected to result in numerous incomings and outgoings.
Paraag Marathe has indicated that money will be available for Daniel Farke to spend, but certain key players will have to leave to maintain compliance with PSR.
However, Leeds certainly understands the importance of promotion next season, thus Marathe has been extremely confident in his claim that they would have a good squad come August.
A number of clubs, including Leeds, are interested in Karamoko Dembele
Of those who are expected to go this summer, it is clear that attacking players will command the highest price.
Crysencio Summerville, Willy Gnonto, and Georginio Rutter have all been mentioned as prospective departures, and some very exceptional work would be required to replace their contributions.
Leeds have been connected with soon-to-be free agent Bobby De Cordova-Reid, and while he would be an excellent addition, he would not necessarily replace the flare of the aforementioned trio.
Karamoko Dembele, who was once compared to Lionel Messi as a teenager, is one player who undoubtedly has the potential.
According to the Blackpool Gazette, Leeds is one of several clubs interested in Dembele this summer, with his future at Brest yet to be determined.
Dembele spent the season on loan at Blackpool in League One, where he scored eight goals and assisted 13 times. Given the similarities to Messi, his dribbling is undoubtedly one of his talents.
However, Leeds are not the only team interested; Everton, Nottingham Forest, Fulham, West Ham, Brentford, Leicester City, Southampton, Sheffield Wednesday, and Middlesbrough are all interested.
Who is the alleged Leeds target, Karamoko Dembele?
Dembele was hyped for greatness from an early age before losing his way a little.
Dembele was playing seven age levels above him as a 13-year-old in the U20s as a Celtic youth prospect.
He made his first-team debut for Celtic at the age of 16, but a series of injuries forced him to leave the club on a free transfer to Brest in 2022.
Dembele hasn’t featured much for the Ligue 1 club, but he finally showed glimpses of reaching his promise at Bloomfield Road last season, with numerous goals and assists.
He will now hope to duplicate such form at Brest or elsewhere as he continues to grow as a young player.
Despite his inexperience, he would be an excellent signing for Leeds, who need a left-footed right-winger in their team.
