‘Leeds sound out deal to sign Willem Geubbels’ after Kylian Mbappe claims
Leeds are reportedly in the hunt to sign St Gallen forward Willem Geubbels after a stellar season in the Swiss Super League.
Geubbels, 23, fired in 14 goals in 31 appearances this season to emerge as one of the most in-demand forwards in Europe.
Foot Mercato journalist Sebastien Denis reported via X on Wednesday (11 June) that Wolves, Southampton and Sheffield United are also keen one the former France Under-21 international, who’ll be available for £8.4million this summer.
Leeds are yet to follow up their promotion to the Premier League with a new signing despite Daniel Farke losing a host of players due to expiring contracts and loan agreements.
Geubbels has been compared to Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe
Leeds fans will be excited to know that Geubbels was once of the most highly-rated young attackers in French football.
His ability to play out wide and cut into the middle saw Football.London compare his style of play to Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele in 2018 when he was being linked with Arsenal, Chelsea and Manchester City.
The 6ft 1 former Lyon academy star was hailed for his physicality, as well as being “quick, skilful” and ability to take “huge strides when getting up and down the flank”.
With St Gallen this season, data shows that Geubbels played mainly up front but there were occasions where he was named on the left-wing.
Most notably, he starred in that wide role against Swiss giants Grasshopper Zurich in March when he scored twice from the left to score a 3-1 victory.
Leeds find potential Manor Solomon replacement
Manor Solomon could yet return to Leeds United after his successful spell on loan at Elland Road from Tottenham Hotspur this season.
The Israeli international scored 10 goals and supplied 12 assists in 39 Championship appearances for the Whites, mainly playing on the left wing.
Geubbels is a different type of player from Solomon, in that he’s built more like a striker but loves to cut inside and try to score.
However, if Farke wants to add something different to his attack, Geubbels could be an option in that area if he doesn’t want the St Gallen star to be his new main man up front.
Leeds still have Joel Piroe for that role but for £8.7million, we would imagine that the Whites will want someone a bit more proven in English football to spearhead their attack if they are going to sign a new centre-forward.