Leeds solo bidders for major signing as Bellingham comparison made
Leeds United are set for a busy summer transfer window as they look to bolster their squad so that it is ready to take on the Premier League.
The Whites are expected to be in the market for a goalkeeper, after Daniel Farke made the decision to axe Illan Meslier in the latter stages of their Championship title-winning campaign.
The final third is another major concern for the West Yorkshire outfit at present, with the club lacking any frontmen who have proven their quality at Premier League level.
However, the entire spine of Leeds’ team could also do with an upgrade if they are to avoid suffering the same fate as so many before them, and returning to the Championship immediately.
Leeds are the only side with concrete interest in Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra
Leeds’ current PSR standing means that they must be mindful to balance their spending this summer, but Paraag Marathe and the 49ers will know that plenty of investment will be needed if they are to have a realistic chance of survival.
The Whites are already in line for a big-money summer swoop, having submitted a bid of £21.8million for Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra.
The likes of Everton, Brighton and Eintracht Frankfurt have all harboured an interest in the midfielder, but at the moment, Leeds are the only side to table a concrete bid for the 21-year-old, according to L’Equipe (10 June).
It is understood that Strasbourg won’t allow Diarra to leave for anything less than a fee in the region of £20-£25m. The youngster is believed to have huge potential to develop, and has been compared to the likes of Jobe Bellingham and Monaco’s Lamine Camara by an unnamed agent.
Diarra would be a strong start to Leeds’ business
Given that Diarra already has three years of top-flight experience in France by the age of 21, he would be an ideal start to the summer transfer business at Elland Road.
| Apps | Goals | Assists | Pass Accuracy % | Chances Created | Duels Won |
| 30 | 4 | 5 | 86.% | 27 | 99 |
He has developed well in the last few years at Strasbourg and has become one of their key performers this season. Diarra struck four goals and five assists from 30 appearances as his side clinched qualification for the UEFA Conference League at the end of the season.
If Leeds could get him through the door, then it would be a strong sign that they are prepared to spend their money shrewdly this summer, by investing in young talents for Farke who carry a sizeable resale value for later down the line.
The midfielder has already received 10 caps for Senegal at senior level, and clearly has the potential to progress into a top-class midfielder.
The Whites must pay close attention to their spending this summer, but there is no doubt that signing Diarra would be a significant statement of intent early into the window.