Leeds United work to sign Roland Sallai on top of Ao Tanaka as Japan ace arrives at Thorp Arch
Leeds United are still working to sign Roland Sallai on top of Ao Tanaka but have yet to agree a deal for the winger, according to Sacha Taviolieri.
The Belgian journalist reported via X on 29 August that the Japanese midfielder is at Thorp Arch ready to complete a move and sign a four-year deal.
But they have yet to strike a deal with Freiberg for Hungarian international Sallai, with moves being made inside the club in preparation of a possible extra move.
Tavolieri reported on 27 August that the Whites were “pushing hard” for a £7.6million deal, with Sky Sports Germany adding the same day that the club were in direct contact with the 27-year-old who is open to a move.
Leeds United push for Freiberg ace after Fortuna Dusseldorf man
Losing both Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter this summer was always going to require extensive attacking reinforcements after the pair starred in the Championship last term.
Securing both Largie Ramazani and Manor Solomon from Almeria and Tottenham respective has eased the pressure on restocking in forward positions, but Sallai is willing and available as he is inside the final year of his deal [The Athletic, 26 August].
Daniel Farke’s squad ultimately fell short of a Premier League return last term so if they are in a financial position to keep adding quality this summer it could get them over the line at the second attempt.
If the Whites end up bringing a host of impressive signings late on the 49ers may be able to point to some method in the madness of waiting until after release clauses were triggered to take star players away.
It is certainly a risky way or working and depending on who is available could see them forced to overpay from a position of increasing desperation.
But with Farke wanting four players – a winger, an attacker, a midfielder and a full-back – after Rutter joined Summerville, Glen Kamara, Archie Gray and others in leaving he is now almost three quarters of the way there.
Tanaka should be the Kamara replacement after Ramazani came in as the top priority to fill the gap left by West Ham’s Summerville [Fabrizio Romano, 26 August], while Solomon’s arrival helps make up for Rutter’s Brighton move.
Isaac Schmidt could still be the full-back signing Farke has asked for [Mike McGrath, 29 August], but additional attacking recruits would certainly help get the fanbase back onside.
In other Leeds United news, the bid has more than doubled as the Whites go back in to sign a player who has tried to force through an Elland Road move.
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