Daniel Farke will be hoping to break the trend of promoted teams being relegated from the Premier League, and this is what Leeds United’s transfer window could end up looking like
Premier League survival for newly promoted teams is beginning to look like the hardest challenge in football. Now, up steps Daniel Farke and Leeds United, who will become one of the latest teams to try their luck at finishing above those dreaded dotted lines, after earning promotion from the Championship.
Last year, Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Southampton went down as quickly as they came up, just like Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United the year before.
Fulham, Bournemouth and Nottingham Forest were the last sides to not get relegated at the first time of asking, doing so in the 2022/23 campaign.
It appears survival will be as expensive as it is difficult for Leeds, who have already been busy in the transfer window. Just under a month until the start of the new Premier League campaign, Mirror Football takes a look at who could be coming through the door.
£40m green light
One of Leeds’ first priorities will likely be a new goalkeeper, with the future of Illan Meslier looking uncertain. The Frenchman was dropped for their last seven matches of the Championship campaign.
On the subject of goalkeepers with uncertain futures, Newcastle United goalkeeper Nick Pope could emerge as a potential, low-priced option. The 33-year-old’s time at St James’ Park could come to an end, as the Magpies are pursuing £40million rated Burnley No. 1 James Trafford.
If he is to secure a move to the north East, it could give Leeds the green light to sign Pope. The latter will also have an eye on securing a place in the England squad for the World Cup, so will likely not settle on anything less than the No. 1 position in a Premier League team.
£30m hitman
Sky Sports reported back in May how Leeds have been pondering a move for Everton forward Beto. The Guinea Bissau international had a slow start under Sean Dyche, but exploded under David Moyes, contributing seven goals in 19 appearances.
His goals helped drag Everton away from a relegation battle and into 13th position. However, having cost the Toffees £20m, it’s likely the gangly forward will cost at least £30m.
It’s understood that Leeds have as much as £100m to spend in the transfer window, but could surpass that sum. They have already signed free agent Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg and Udinese defender Jaka Bijol.
Potential £25m arrival from Serie A
On the subject of centre-forwards, Nikola Krstovic of Serie A side Lecce remains an interest for Leeds. The Montenegro striker enjoyed an impressive campaign last season, contributing 11 goals and five assists in 37 Serie A appearances.
His goals proved to be the difference between relegation and survival, as Lecce finished three points ahead of 18th placed Empoli. Such margins could also be vital for Leeds and the prospect of signing a striker who outscored the likes of Juventus forward Dusan Vlahovic and ex-Chelsea ace Christian Pulisic could be too much to resist.
It’s also understood that he is valued at around £25.6m. They may also have the green light to make their move, as Italian outlet Corriere Dello Sport claimed Lecce are in talks to sign Basel ace Kevin Carlos, who would essentially be a direct replacement if bought.
A new defensive partnership
Having already signed Bijol, Leeds are also considering a move for Real Betis defender Natan, according to Estadio Deportivo. Interestingly, the Brazilian was only on loan from Napoli last season, but became a permanent signing this summer.
However, the outlet claims Leeds, Lazio and two other undisclosed clubs have expressed an interest in signing him. They also state the La Liga side have rejected an offer of €27m (£23.3m) for his services, but it is unclear who bid that amount.
If he arrives, he would likely partner new arrival Bijol and complete a brand new defensive partnership. This could be risky, but it may also stop the goals from going into the Leeds net.
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