Amid the turmoil surrounding Archie Gray’s move to Tottenham, a defender linked with a move to Leeds United has told the media that he intends to leave his current club this summer.
The 49ers have prioritized getting guys out of the door and balancing the books before returning and making a few signings. Gray is the club’s largest departure and the third most costly sale ever.
Marc Roca, Jack Harrison, Sonny Perkins, and others will also go once their contracts end. As it stands, Liam Cooper, Cody Drameh, and Jamie Shackleton are technically free agents.
Leeds acknowledged that they were in talks with the three players and have offered them new contracts, therefore an announcement is forthcoming. But Leeds still has incoming targets this summer, one of which is ready to depart.
Defender now ‘ready’ to leave his current side despite Leeds interest.
Joe Rodon is an incoming signing as part of negotiations with Tottenham and the transfer of Gray. He rejoins Leeds for a cost of £10 million, saving the club from having to find a replacement for Welshman.
However, Leeds still needs another centre-back. Despite his strong defensive performance last season, Ethan Ampadu may still be considered a midfielder by Daniel Farke, and Cooper may leave the club.
Leeds have been linked with a deal to sign Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha. The German-born Nigerian star is in the final year of his contract and has told TransferMarkt that he is “ready” to leave Belgium.
“I’m dealing with really fascinating and specific requests. Torunarigha is cited as saying, “I feel good, I’m in top shape, and ready for the next step,” despite interest from Leeds and other clubs.
Georginio Rutter’s old side has filed a £9 million proposal for Torunarigha.
Leeds’ interest in Torunarigha will be unaffected by a move for Rodon, who is a left-footed centre-back. Leeds lacked that left-footed balance after losing Cooper and Pascal Struijk for the most of last season.
With Struijk hopefully fit for pre-season and the start of next season, it will be fascinating to see if the Whites believe Torunarigha is worth the money, especially after Hoffenheim made a £9 million bid for him.
Rutter’s former club can offer Bundesliga football, which will undoubtedly entice the Nigerian sensation this summer. Rodon turned down Premier League clubs for Leeds, so anything can happen during the transfer window.
