Leeds United have been stepping up their pursuit of a defender who is wanted all over Europe, and he is set to be available on a free transfer.
Leeds eyeing summer signings amid relegation battle
As we approach the business end of the Premier League season, Leeds are in a strong position to avoid the drop, currently sitting four points above the bottom three, and Daniel Farke believes his side have what it takes to stay up.
Farke said: “From the first day we were confident. After many brilliant performances and good results, perhaps even more now. Everyone knows the different animal the Premier League can be but we take confidence. Still work to do, if we don’t win six to eight points then we probably don’t deserve to stay in this league but I’m pretty sure we will prove we do.”
There are just seven games left to play, and the Whites have some favourable fixtures, taking on Wolverhampton Wanderers at Elland Road in April, before facing fellow strugglers Burnley on home soil at the beginning of May.
There is still work to do, but the recruitment team have seemingly already started making plans for the summer transfer window, with it recently being revealed they have joined the race for a new left-back.
49ers stepping up pursuit of “amazing” defender
According to a report from Gazzetta dello Sport (via Sport Witness), Leeds have been making strong moves to sign FC Utrecht defender Souffian El Karouani, who is wanted all over Europe, with the likes of Marseille and AS Roma also keen.
El Karouani’s contract with the Dutch side is set to expire at the end of the season, which means if he doesn’t pen a new deal, the Morocco international will be available on a free transfer.
There is a feeling Marseille could be in a stronger position to win the race for the full-back’s signature, given that they are on course to qualify for Europe, but he could be an excellent signing for the Whites if they are able to win the race.
After setting up a goal in the Europa League against Nottingham Forest last November, the 25-year-old received plaudits from former Dutch international Rene Van der Gijp, who said: “He has a truly amazing left foot. Hardly any free kicks end up [going back to] an opponent.”
Crafting opportunities is one of the Moroccan’s key qualities, as evidenced by the fact he’s recorded a whopping 16 assists in 42 matches across all competitions this season, during which time he’s also scored three goals.
Gabriel Gudmundsson, on the other hand, is yet to register a goal or an assist in the Premier League, whereas Sam Byram has found game time hard to come by, appearing for just 85 minutes in all competitions this season.
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The German may lose him this summer.
As such, it could make sense to strengthen at left-back this summer, and El Karouani could offer Leeds something different, with his availability on a free transfer an added bonus.
