Leeds United could be powerless in pursuit of Emmanuel Dennis as Saudi Pro League interest emerges
Leeds United should have a decent transfer purse to spend once the club’s takeover by the 49ers Enterprises is completed this summer, but it is unlikely to be enough to get a deal for Emmanuel Dennis over the line.
Nigerian national newspaper Complete Sports reported on 28 June that the Whites were interested in signing the Nottingham Forest striker this summer, with the club currently preparing a bid.
Dennis, 25, joined Steve Cooper’s ranks at the City Ground last campaign but failed to make the desired impact upon signing, scoring just two goals and providing two assists from 19 Premier League appearances.
However, if Leeds are to get this signing over the line, they will have to ward off the approaches of the Saudi Pro League.
The Telegraph reported on Thursday (29 June) that the Nigerian international has suitors in both the Saudi Pro League and Russia.
Considering the riches that the former possess, and the lucrative deals they have brokered with the likes of Karim Benzema, N’Golo Kante and Ruben Neves over the last month, the Whites face an uphill battle in this transfer pursuit.
Patrick Bamford’s poor injury record over the last two years at Elland Road will certainly have prompted the move to look for further attacking additions in the summer market, and Dennis looks like a strong option to consider.
Despite his poor returns last season, the forward has proven himself a capable Premier League goalscorer during his time at Watford, netting 10 goals for the Hornets in the 2021/22 Premier League season, as well as six assists.
With forwards Rodrigo and Willy Gnonto looking likely to leave West Yorkshire after the club’s relegation to the Championship, the new Leeds United manager is likely to have a striker on his summer shopping list.
However, they might be powerless in their pursuit of Dennis if a club from Saudi Arabia decides to dig deep into their pockets and offer him a lucrative payday.
In other Leeds United news, multiple Los Angeles investors backed out of the Whites takeover deal amid Paraag Marathe Zoom calls.