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Leeds United could kick-start summer rebuild by signing £4.4m Luis Palma as transfer news emerges
Leeds United have entered the race to sign Luis Palma from Greek club Aris, kicking off what looks to be a hugely promising summer rebuild at Elland Road.
The 23-year-old is attracting widespread attention at Greek playoff team Aris Thessaloniki, with journalist Georgios Sideridis revealing on 2 April that several clubs across Europe had sent scouts to watch the South American attacker.
According to Sport Dog [18 April], clubs will need to cough up his €5million (£4.4m) valuation to secure his talented services this summer.
And according to Diez, [24 May] Leeds United have entered the race to sign the 23-year-old.
“Teams for which the catracho (Honduran) has sounded are Gent and Anderlecht from Belgium, Dynamo Kyiv from Ukraine, Burnley and Leeds United from England and Rangers from Scotland,” according to to the report.
“In addition, Major League Soccer clubs are also looking for the services of Luis Palma.”
It seems as though all hope is lost for Leeds United to secure their Premier League spot for next season, given their incredibly difficult position in the league table heading into Sunday’s final game against Tottenham at Elland Road.
Relegation will certainly prove costly for the Whites, not only from a financial and revenue standpoint but also hamper their ability to attract significant signings for next season.
However, Leeds United may have to shop in a whole new market to sign the players they need to kick-start their rebuild this summer, potentially replacing many of their key stars like Rodrigo, Wilfried Gnonto and Jack Harrison, and the signing of hidden gem Palma represents an astute piece of business at £4.4m.
Regardless of whether the Whites will be playing Championship football next season, Leeds United still remains a huge club and an attractive pull for young and talented unknown stars, and Palma could be very tempted by the lure of Elland Road.
And given the season the Honduran has enjoyed in Greece, Leeds would be deemed very smart and efficient to acquire his services.
The Honduran started his career off at CDS Vida, scoring 21 goals in just 56 matches with those numbers earning him a move to Greek side Aris in 2021. Since then, he has continued to impress in Europe.
Indeed, this term, Palma has 13 goals and seven assists in just 36 matches, which is level with Rodrigo’s tally and just a couple of goals short of any of Leeds United’s other attacking stars combined.
Palma isn’t just restricted to playing on the wing, with the attacker able to operate in a centre-forward role with apparent ease while also dropping in just behind the striker if called upon.
Leeds United have lacked such versatility in attacking positions this season, having to heavily rely on the potentially departing Harrison and Rodrigo for some influence in various roles. Should they leave Elland Road, the Whites will have to seek out replacements in a similar mould and Palma fits the bill.
Palma’s versatility and tactical understanding of various attacking positions could certainly give the bosses at Leeds United plenty of food for thought and provide the Elland Road faithful with an exciting hidden gem to drool over, especially if they lose the likes of Gnonto.
With six caps so far for Honduras, Palma already has experience at international level and there is no doubt he will increase this tally if he moves to West Yorkshire, gaining some much-needed European exposure.
Dubbed an “impeccable player” by Left Back Football (October 2022) with great passing and dribbling qualities who can play across the entire front line, that’s exactly the kind of profile Leeds United need if they are to kick off a promising summer rebuild but also embark on a swift return to the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, a Joe Gelhardt ‘keep or sell’ verdict at Elland Road has been shared by one local journalist.