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Leeds United must beat Newcastle to land Dries Mertens for free
Leeds United must beat Premier League rivals Newcastle to sign Dries Mertens this summer to complete a memorable transfer window.
According to a report from Il Mattino (7 July), the Whites have started investigating the player’s situation.
The 35-year-old is currently a free agent. His contract with Napoli expired last month and he is currently on a vacation.
Mertens is waiting for a renewal offer from Napoli but the Whites are in the race to sign him.
Despite losing Kalvin Phillips, the Whites have managed to land six new players this summer, and probably there’s room for one or two more players.
Raphinha is facing an uncertain future at the club, with Barcelona being heavily linked with a move.
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Leeds can afford to sign an experienced attacking midfielder, and Mertens would fit the bill nicely.
The Belgium star has scored 249 goals in his club career, and he is Napoli’s record goal scorer with 148 goals.
He is a fantastic creative midfielder as well. Obviously, he is approaching the fag end of his career, but Leeds are also getting him for free.
It would be a new challenge for him to be a senior figure at a Premier League club and help them climb up the table.
He would bring his wealth of experience to the club. Mertens scored 13 goals last season in all competitions, and he is showing no signs of ageing.
This could be a transfer masterstroke from Victor Orta if he can pull off a deal. Leeds can land a world-class player, a jackpot, and that too for free.
In other Leeds United news, this Whites star has informed the club he refuses to participate in pre-season preparations.