Leeds United handed upper hand in race to sign Souffian El Karouani
Souffian El Karouani has emerged as a transfer target for Leeds United.
Providing they remain in the Premier League, Leeds will be looking to add plenty of quality to their squad in the summer, with a report from Africa Foot stating that they have set their sights on signing El Karouani.
The FC Utrecht left-back has been in fine form this season, with a remarkable 19 goal contributions in 39 appearances across all competitions.
Seven of those have arrived in the Europa League, with the 25-year-old having registered an assist in Utrecht’s defeat to Nottingham Forest back in December.
The report states that Leeds have shown “concrete interest” in the defender, whose contract is due to expire at the end of the current campaign.
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Souffian El Karouani has already decided on his next move
Given the form he has showcased this season, it will come as no surprise to learn that the 25-year-old is focusing purely on having a strong end to the campaign.
However, he is due to decide on his future in the summer, with the report adding that El Karouani favours a move to England.
And that will only benefit Leeds’ attempts to bring him to Elland Road, with West Ham the other side named with interest in the defender who has already made five appearances for Morocco.
The Hammers are looking increasingly likely to drop into the Championship, and if so, that would hand the Whites an even bigger boost in the race for the defender’s signature.
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What does this mean for Gabriel Gudmundsson?
Gabriel Gudmundsson has been one of Leeds’ best players this season, and aside from possibly Anton Stach, he has been the best addition in the Premier League.
Similar to El Karouani, the Swede thrives in the forward areas, as demonstrated by the fact that he has 19 chances created in the Premier League.
However, that is 41 fewer chances than El Karouani in four more games, showcasing how the Utrecht defender would offer more creativity.
As for how hard Leeds push for a deal, that will largely depend on how Daniel Farke intends to have the Whites set up next season.
If Leeds are to stick with a back five with attacking wing-backs, then Gudmundsson could find himself pushed aside already.
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