Leeds United make Reinildo approach as Club World Cup update drops
Reinildo is a player not very well known to Leeds United fans, but that could be about to change.
The Elland Road club’s attentions have turned to Spain, with the Atletico Madrid left-back on the Whites’ wanted list.
Strasbourg’s Habib Diarra is another potential target, while Leeds have also accelerated talks with Udinese for centre-back Jaka Bijol.
The Peacocks are clearly striving to add reinforcements to their backline, and the Mozambique international will become a free agent this summer.
Leeds United face competition to land Atletico Madrid’s Reinildo
Given Junior Firpo’s uncertain future at Leeds, it is understandable that the Yorkshire club are pursuing left-backs.
The 28-year-old is out of contract this summer and is considering his options amid interest from across Europe.
His departure would leave the Whites with Sam Byram as their only recognised left-back, meaning they must strengthen.
Leeds have made an approach for Reinildo, who will become a free agent after the Club World Cup, according to Ben Jacobs (11 June).
| Reinildo’s 2024/25 La Liga statistics | Total |
| Appearances (starts) | 19 (10) |
| Touches | 39.5 |
| Accurate passes | 23 (84%) |
| Clean sheets | 4 |
| Clearances | 1.7 |
| Total duels won | 2.6 (49%) |
However, the Peacocks face competition from Premier League duo Sunderland and Nottingham Forest, as well as from Turkey and Saudi Arabia.
The 31-year-old made 19 appearances in La Liga last season, but the majority of those came from the bench.
Given his lack of playing time, a move to the Premier League could open the door to first-team football.
Leeds must replace Junior Firpo if he departs Elland Road
When Leeds were last in the Premier League, there were doubts over Firpo’s top-flight credentials.
However, the 28-year-old has gone some way in addressing those concerns with consistently high performances in the Championship.
Understandably, interest in the Dominican is high, and it will be difficult to hold on to him, with AC Milan, Real Betis, and Atletico interested.
If he is to leave when his contract expires, then the Elland Road outfit must strengthen, given that Byram would be the sole option on the left.
The Premier League is a cut above, and the quality of wingers will cause all three promoted sides problems.
As well as a goalkeeper and a forward, Leeds must prioritise a left-back if Firpo leaves.