This time last year, Leeds United and Southampton were both pursuing a lot of the same targets.
After being relegated from the Premier League, the two teams had a very active conclusion to the 2023 transfer window, losing a number of first-team players.
Joel Piroe, Taylor Harwood-Bellis, Ryan Manning, and Glen Kamara were all linked with moves to both clubs throughout the summer, but Southampton ultimately won the race for promotion.
Despite the fact that Leeds and Southampton are in different divisions this season, they have been linked with the same targets.
However, with the attraction of Premier League football, Leeds will always find it more difficult to beat Southampton in the race for players.
What Russell Martin has said about Leeds’ target Jack Clarke
As the deadline approaches, Leeds is ratcheting up their transfer efforts, just as they did 12 months ago.
Leeds signed five new players in the last week of the transfer window last year, and a similar number might arrive at Elland Road this time around, with Largie Ramazani expected to be the first.
Sunderland’s Jack Clarke has also been linked with a move to Leeds, with reports suggesting he might be open to returning to the club.
However, following an excellent season at Sunderland in 2023/24, in which he scored 15 goals, he has attracted Premier League interest.
Southampton had been mentioned as one of the clubs interested in signing him, but Martin has verified that this is not the case during his pre-Nottingham Forest press conference.
He stated, “He’s a player who performed well in the Championship.” This summer, we’ve been associated with a lot of players, some of whom are miles away. I wouldn’t say this is a major priority right now; we aren’t in the race.”
Ipswich are closing in on a move for Clarke.
Despite the money gained by player sales this summer, a transfer for Clarke was always considered more pricey.
Leeds have instead signed Ramazani from UD Almeria, who is primarily a right-footed left-winger.
Meanwhile, Clarke appears to be on his way to Ipswich Town, with the East Anglian Daily Times suggesting that talks are well underway.
Ipswich’s opening bid was thought to be around £15 million, although it wouldn’t be surprising if an agreement was achieved for more.
