Leeds United are desperate to acquire a new midfielder, and one player the club is in contact with is now claimed to be “keen” on moving to Elland Road before Friday’s deadline.
The 49ers sold Glen Kamara and Archie Gray this summer, with only Joe Rothwell coming in on loan. Leeds needs another in the middle of the park, and several possibilities have been discussed.
Daniel Farke seeks a goal-scoring midfielder. It comes after Ilia Gruev and Gray only scored one last season, and Kamara failed to score once in 42 Leeds games.
Leeds have bid £13 million for Gustavo Hamer, but Sheffield United want £18 million for him. Philip Billing’s chances of signing from Bournemouth are dead, as the player refuses to move down a division.
Leeds in discussions for Japan star Ao Tanaka, who is keen for a move.
Tanaka, 25, has been linked to Leeds for some time. Leeds made a £3.2 million bid for Tanaka last summer, and the Whites are now set to exercise his release clause in the final days of the transfer window.
Graeme Bailey informed Leeds United News that the club is confident that a deal for Tanaka will be completed. Now, reporter Sacha Tavolieri has an update: Tanaka is interested in making a move, and conversations are ongoing.
He stated, “Fortuna Düsseldorf and Leeds United are now negotiating to finalize Ao Tanaka’s transfer. Talks are ongoing. The Japanese central midfielder wants to go. “Wait and see,” Tavolieri replied.
If Leeds can’t get Hamer, Tanaka is a fantastic and inexpensive substitute.
There has been considerable criticism on social media that Leeds are going cheap with Tanaka, which they are, given Tanaka’s release clause is worth £2.65 million. But Tanaka is a steal at that price; he’s a lot better.
Indeed, his release clause and contractual condition make him available and inexpensive. But if Tanaka, a player similar to Jude Bellingham, had a contract until 2028, he would be worth far more than £2.65 million.
However, Gustavo Hamer is a superior player, but at £18 million, you may claim the Brazilian is overvalued. Sheffield United appear to be fed up with Leeds, and the price is high given that Leeds is a major promotion competitor.
