Leeds ready to pay £16.8m to seal first new forward signing for Daniel Farke
Leeds United are one of the latest three clubs tasked with bridging the gap between the Championship and the Premier League next season.
Daniel Farke’s side are back in the big time for the first time since 2023, but just like their fellow newly-promoted clubs, Burnley and Sunderland, they will face a sizeable battle to stay there.
The gap between the two divisions has stretched even further than before in the last two seasons, something which can be highlighted by the fact that not a single one of the last six teams to be promoted from the second tier have survived in their first top-flight season.
If the Whites are to buck that trend, their squad will require substantial investment in several areas, in order to bring it up to Premier League quality.
Leeds will need to pay £16.8m to sign Christantus Uche
Everton star Abdoulaye Doucoure has been one of the first players to be linked with a summer switch to Elland Road, alongside Christantus Uche, who plays in attack for La Liga side Getafe.
The Nigerian forward attracted interest from Chelsea back in the January window, and now the likes of Leeds, Brentford and Wolves are all lining up a transfer for the 22-year-old.
There are no concrete offers in place at the moment, but the Premier League trio are all believed to be closing in on a deal.
The Getafe star has a release clause of just over £21million in his contract, but it is believed that he could be allowed to leave for slightly less than that figure. He could instead be available for as little as £16.8m, according to Marca (4 June).
As well as the interest from Leeds and elsewhere in England, Atletico Madrid are also admirers of Uche. However, a move abroad is thought to be able to open up more options for the forward at present.
Leeds need to strengthen their forward line
The West Yorkshire outfit will need to add to their squad across the board if they are to compete effectively on their return to the top flight, but one of the areas where they are crying out for reinforcements is their forward line.
Joel Piroe enjoyed another fantastic season at Championship level, but the Dutchman is untested in the Premier League, and there are no guarantees that he will be able to carry that form into the top level of English football.
Brenden Aaronson had a disappointing campaign and arguably also needs to be replaced. Patrick Bamford is hotly tipped for an exit, as is Mateo Joseph, meaning Leeds could find themselves with plenty of work to do to rebuild their attack.
Uche could be the perfect start to that work. The Nigerian international can play out wide, in an attacking midfield role, or as an out-and-out striker, and that versatility could prove to be invaluable for Farke next term.
When you throw in the fact that he is available for a relatively minor fee by Premier League standards, it seems like a no-brainer for Leeds to bring him in.