Leeds United permanent deal to sign Jaidon Anthony mooted as Jack Harrison news emerges
BBC Sport reporter Adam Pope has mooted the possibility of Leeds United signing Jaidon Anthony from Bournemouth on a permanent basis this summer.
Anthony spent 2023-24 on loan at Elland Road as part of a deal that saw Luis Sinisterra head the opposite way to Bournemouth.
The 24-year-old did not have the best of times last time out, starting just two Championship games and netting just one goal from out wide before returning to the South Coast.
However, with Jack Harrison set to return to Everton for a second loan spell, and various other attackers linked with the exit, he could come in handy next season.
Writing for BBC Sport’s Leeds transfer blog [19 June, 4:08pm], Pope pointed out that Anthony is now way down the pecking order at Bournemouth and an exit could make sense this summer.
Pope added: “With [Crysencio] Summerville expected to leave in the summer and Jack Harrison likely to renew his loan at Everton, how big is the case to bring the 24-year-old back on a permanent deal?
“A year working with [Daniel] Farke means he is attuned to his ways and what is expected at the club. The evidence is Anthony can last the Championship distance.
“Anthony has pedigree having spent a decade on Arsenal’s books before joining Bournemouth in 2016. He is under contract with the Cherries until 2027, but the right offer this summer could see his future and best years elsewhere.”
Jaidon Anthony deal could make sense for Leeds United
Anthony’s impact was minimal in 2023-24, but Leeds were blessed with plenty of options in the final third. However, assuming Summerville departs, that is one less player in front of him should the winger return.
Whether Leeds should move for Anthony or not comes down to who else moves on from Elland Road this summer. If another attacker departs, such as Gnonto, then he really would be a smart purchase.
Some supporters will struggle to get too excited about that possibility, but he is a player who Farke knows well and will need no time at all to settle in.
It must be remembered that Anthony is technically a Premier League player, so he would still be a coup in that regard.
Leeds fans would ultimately prefer to keep Summerville and Gnonto, but if this worst-case scenario plays out and they both leave, Anthony should certainly be considered.
In other Leeds United news, another club is now in the running to sign a player the Whites are desperate to recruit.
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