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Leeds United and Brentford lose out to Southampton in race to sign Manchester City starlet Shea Charles
Leeds United and Brentford have reportedly lost to Southampton in the race to sign Manchester City youngster Shea Charles.
Fabrizio Romano reported on 6 July that the Saints will be securing the services of the 19-year-old for a £9million fee.
He will also be travelling to the South Coast this weekend to undergo his medical and complete his arrival at St. Mary’s.
Romano wrote on Twitter, “Southampton are closing in on deal to sign Man City 2003 born midfielder Shea Charles. Manchester City will receive £9m fee — it will also include buy back clause and sell on clause for. Charles will travel this weekend for medical if all goes to plan.”
This will have come as a blow for Leeds and Daniel Farke not just because one of their direct promotion rivals have secured an important signing.
Guardian reported in April that the Whites along with Brentford and Borussia Dortmund wanted to sign the teenage midfielder this summer.
Back then, the Leeds managerial situation was all over the place so it’s pretty clear that the hierarchy wanted this deal.
Given the number of midfielders Leeds are expected to lose, this would not have been a bad signing at all and it’s unfortunate that he will join Southampton.
Farke will certainly be fuming and will not want his team to miss out on targets to direct rivals as it weakens their chances of securing promotion to the top flight.
In other Leeds United news, the club have been handed a boost to sign a Manchester United player this summer with Erik ten Hag likely to sanction his exit.