Leeds United discuss Adama Traore and Cody Gakpo transfers amid Raphinha development
Leeds United have “discussed” signing Wolves forward Adama Traore and PSV forward Cody Gakpo as they consider replacements for Raphinha, according to the Mail on Sunday.
The newspaper reported on 26 June (page 150) that Leeds are offering £26million for Club Brugge forward Charles De Ketelaere as they “look to sell winger Raphinha”.
It is understood that that as well as the 21-year-old Belgium international, Leeds are also considering moves for Traore, 26, and Gakpo, 23.
Anyone but Traore
Despite playing 160 times in the Premier League, Traore has just eight goals and 16 assists to his name in England’s top-flight.
He’s nowhere near good enough.
As for Gakpo, he’s just had a stunning season with PSV as he scored 21 goals and supplied 15 assists in 46 appearances across all competitions.
One of those goals came in the Dutch Cup final when he scored the match-winner against Ajax.
He also netted in Champions League qualifying, the Europa League group stages and the Europa Conference League knock-out stages.
It’s fairly clear that the Netherlands international is a very good talent.
However, the only issue is that he’s mainly a left-sided winger who likes to cut inside onto his right-foot.
Raphinha is the complete opposition in that sense as he is a left-footed right-winger.
We’re expecting Raphinha to move on this summer and signing a replacement for him will be very tough.
However, if Victor Orta is able to sign players like Raphinha then we’d trust him to be able to dig out a top-quality replacement and not go after someone like Traore.
In other Leeds United news, negotiations have closed on the Whites selling this player, who’s agreed a three-year deal.