Fresh Leeds United blow as winner named in race with Southampton to sign David Brooks – Fabrizio Romano
Southampton have now agreed a deal to sign Bournemouth winger David Brooks beating Leeds United in the race to sign him, according to Fabrizio Romano.
The Italian transfer guru shared on his personal X account (29 January) that the Welshman will now undergo medical tests with the Saints which is now booked for Tuesday (30 January).
The Whites along with the Saints have long been linked with Brooks’ signature (Alex Crook, 25 January) as Daniel Farke seeks another attacker to bolster his forward line at Elland Road but Southampton have now won the race to sign him.
Romano wrote on Monday evening (29 January): “Southampton have agreed loan deal to sign David Brooks from Bournemouth. Understand medical tests have been booked on Tuesday for the 26-year-old winger.”
Blow
Phil Hay had told the Square Ball on 8 January that the noises coming out of Bournemouth on a Brooks exit amid interest from Elland Road weren’t clear, but it now seems as if the Welshman will be joining Leeds’ Championship rivals.
This is a major coup for Russell Martin’s men who will now be expected to win that automatic promotion race in the Championship with this signing. The pendulum for the position has certainly swung in their favour.
Brooks is an incredibly gifted footballer, one which Leeds United and Daniel Farke could well have done with to not only bolster their ranks but immediately improve them.
Certainly, Crycensio Summerville and Dan James have been exceptional all season but have been blighted by injury niggles in recent weeks while Willy Gnonto hasn’t matched his lofty heights and has been injured on occasion too.
There’s been a need to strengthen in the number ten position and Brooks could well have killed two birds with one stone adding much-needed variety and versatility as well as burgeoning quality to Farke’s attack.
But the financial situation is certainly standing in the Whites’ way of bolstering their squad even further before Thursday’s deadline (1 February)
However, Leeds United’s loss is Southampton’s gain. Huge ramifications in the Championship automatic promotion race between the Whites, Southampton and Ipswich Town.
In other Leeds United news, “significant” new details have emerged amid talks at Elland Road.
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