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Hamed Traore likely to be available to Leeds United for fraction of Raphinha fee
Sassuolo attacker Hamed Traore would likely be available for less than half of what Leeds United are expected to get for Raphinha.
According to The Athletic’s Sensible Transfers series, the Whites may already have a ready-made replacement for the outgoing Brazilian.
Despite being right-footed and playing on the left wing, the Ivory Coast international is stylistically similar to Raphinha and at 22, is also three years younger than him.
The report reads, “Traore would also likely be available for less than half of what Raphinha appears likely to be sold for, so that’s another advantage.
“And, at 22 to the South American’s 25, there’s plenty of scope for development and resale value.”
Not convincing enough
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Leeds do not need another player who can play on the left and who might be as good as Raphinha one day.
Despite Traore having a “powerful” [Scouted Football] shot on him and the ability to turn defence into attack within a moment, he may not be the player Jesse Marsch would want.
They need someone who excels at playing on the right wing and can grab goals and turn the game in the blink of an eye.
A direct runner, with great close control and the ability to beat players for dead, is what they need currently.
Traore may be a good enough replacement on paper, but playing in the Serie A is nowhere comparable to the tempo of the Premier League.
Club Brugge’s Noa Lang is an option they considered last summer and one they must pull out all the stops to sign this time around.
In other Leeds United news, the club have now opened talks with an ‘Incredible’ title-winning central midfielder to replace Kalvin Phillips.