Premier League team Crystal Palace has joined Leeds United in the hunt for a left-footed defender, making the two English clubs part of a four-way contest.
Leeds are expected to be looking for a new left-sided defender this summer. Liam Cooper was not seen in the club’s YouTube training video, and his contract will officially expire on Sunday.
According to the retained list, Leeds were in talks with both captain Cooper and Jamie Shackleton, though the latter is expected to join Chris Wilder’s Sheffield United on a free transfer.
Cooper’s departure leaves Leeds with only Pascal Struijk as a left-sided centre-back. Ethan Ampadu filled in when he was injured last season, and while he impressed, he is right-footed, so his balance suffered.
Junior Firpo is ‘anticipated’ to depart Leeds, but even if he does stay, there is a shortage of left-back cover. This could explain why Leeds are interested in signing a German-born Nigerian international this summer.
Leeds joins Crystal Palace in the race for a bargain £2 million defender.
Jordan Torunarigha is still a relatively unknown figure in England. But in Belgian football, he is, with the left-footed centre-back making 104 appearances for Gent over the last two and a half seasons.
The 26-year-old has impressed enough to be called up to Nigeria’s national team recently. Leeds are reportedly interested in signing Torunarigha, who is in the final year of his contract with Gent.
Hoffenheim are thought to have made a £9 million approach for Torunarigha. However, according to Bild, he is now available for a far lower sum, with Leeds and Palace vying for his signature alongside Torino and Hoffenheim.
What Torunarigha has said regarding his future amid Leeds connections
Torunarigha, who is represented by the same agency as Robin Koch, appears to be on the move this summer. Especially after speaking with the media about his future in Belgian football.
He stated that he is “ready” to depart, citing contacts with English, Italian, and German teams. According to the article, he is generally worth roughly £4.25 million, but he is likely to be available for less than half that amount.
Given his words, his form in Belgium, the fact that he is now a member of Nigeria’s team, and the fact that he is available for slightly more than £2 million, other clubs will most certainly join the battle to sign Torunarigha.
