Leeds ready to buck transfer trend as Dovbyk update emerges
Leeds United have established themselves as one of the frontrunners to sign Artem Dovbyk this summer.
The striker notched 17 goals in all competitions for Roma last season, but he could be on his way out of the Italian capital club before the 2025/26 campaign gets underway.
Leeds are keen to bring Dovbyk to the Premier League, and they have already learned that the Ukrainian is not deemed to be unsellable by Gian Piero Gasperini’s side.
Signing a new striker has been a top priority for Daniel Farke’s side this summer, but they will need to be ready to disrupt the theme of their transfer window so far if they are to land the 28-year-old.
Leeds will need to beat Premier League rivals as Newcastle make Dovbyk enquiry
Leeds’ summer hasn’t passed without frustration so far, as they have lost out to other Premier League sides in several of their transfer pursuits.
In the majority of these instances, the West Yorkshire outfit have missed out to Sunderland, having had both Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki snatched away from within their clutches by their fellow newly-promoted team.
However, on this occasion, it could be a different North East outfit who cause problems for Daniel Farke and Co.
Newcastle are now showing an interest in Dovybk, and have lodged an enquiry over his services, according to Corriere Dello Sport (31 July).
The Italian outlet understands that Roma have pushed his availability towards a series of intermediaries, who are now promoting his services across Europe.
Newcastle have thrown their hat in the ring, and that creates the perfect opportunity for the Whites to buck a trend of their window, by working quickly to beat their Premier League rivals to the deal.
Leeds have already been in contact over Dovybk, which should, in theory, give them a crucial march on the Magpies as they aim to seal a deal.
Dovybk would be a great signing for Leeds
Leeds desperately need to add support for Piroe, and Dovybk could be the perfect man to act as an alternative to the Dutchman.
He has now added goals to his CV at strong levels of football over the last few years, having been prolific for Spanish upstarts Girona in 2023/24.
- Dovbyk made his first step into Europe’s ‘big five leagues’ with Girona in 2023/24
- He notched 24 goals and 10 assists in all competitions for the Spanish side
- He then moved to Roma last summer and hit 17 goals for them
The frontman holds the ball up well and possesses the kind of power and physicality that could make him a huge threat to top-flight defences.
Leeds will be keen to show that they are not simply going to be pushovers in the transfer market after their promotion, and beating a club with Newcastle’s level of ambition to secure Dovybk’s signature would be a huge statement of intent.
It’s a deal that wouldn’t come cheaply given Roma’s asking price of £34million, but it could be a crucial signing for the Whites if they can get it done.
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