Leeds United are officially on 40 points in the Premier League, with four games to go.
Those at Elland Road edged closer to safety after struggling against Bournemouth, and Daniel Farke is starting to look like a Manager of the Year candidate.
The German has overcome doubt at the start of the season and has lost just twice in the last ten games. It’s been an incredible run that focused on his tactical genius back in November.
Any doubts the 49ers had should be put to rest for a long time, as they prepare for a hot summer.
Where Leeds can bring Farke back in the transfer market
With survival still pending, Leeds have the opportunity to look ahead to the summer transfer window ahead of some of their rivals. It’s a chance to come out on top and find their cure for the second season syndrome.
The 49ers already found their recruiting ground last summer, landing the likes of Anton Stach and a much-needed scorer in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Now, 12 months later, they have to pay Farke back in full with a splash of cash.
Just who can come is the big question. The Yorkshire club will have the power to come and survive and could look to separate some of the top clubs in the Championship.
That would see them look to Southampton’s Leo Scienza, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign. If he fails to secure promotion with the Saints, then rumors suggest it could be Leeds who come rushing in.
That is one of the key things that could be at the fore at Elland Road this summer, though. Along with Scienza, the 49ers could end up giving Leeds a trade for Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds could sign their new Phillips
The midfielder was key under Marcelo Bielsa, doing enough to become a mainstay for England before leaving when he left Elland Road. Now, Farke needs to push his own version of the former Leeds star.
Just as they could take advantage of Southampton’s failure to reach the Premier League, the 49ers could take advantage of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ failure to stay in the top flight this summer.
According to reports from TEAMtalk earlier this month, Leeds have held personal talks to sign Joao Gomes from the Midlands club and could break their transfer record to land the Brazilian, who could be worth £50m.
|
Leeds United’s most expensive signing ever |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Level |
The player |
Money |
Signed from |
A year |
|
1 |
Georginio Rutter |
£35.5m |
Hoffenheim |
2023 |
|
2 |
Brendan Aaronson |
£28.5m |
RB Salzburg |
2022 |
|
3 |
Rodrigo |
£26m |
Valencia |
2020 |
|
4 |
Dan James |
£25m |
Man Utd |
2018 |
|
5 |
Luis Sinisterra |
£21m |
Feyenoord |
2022 |
It is said that the Whites had a meeting with Wolves after winning 3-0 and that’s when they were able to reveal Gomes’ name which was going to be an uphill battle.
The £50m man has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool over the past 12 months, but Leeds appear ready to make a statement – to welcome their best midfielder since Phillips’ tenure.
|
PL P90 figures |
Gomes 25/26 |
Phillips 21/22 |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,474 |
1,595 |
|
Fighting |
3.24 |
3.05 |
|
Recovery |
6.37 |
10.16 |
|
Opportunities are created |
0.51 |
0.51 |
|
Duel Success |
50.4% |
45.5% |
It’s easy to see why Leeds have set their sights on Gomes. Compared to Phillips’ last season at the club, the Wolves man won more tackles and enjoyed better duel success in the current campaign.
Like ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ during his time at Elland Road, Gomes is a tough fighter with a bulldog-like approach. He is very adept at breaking up play and acting as a disruptor, particularly making six per 90 possessions this season.
If the Yorkshiremen can convince the South American to join them this summer, then they will have three quality midfield options in Gomes, Stach and Ethan Ampadu.
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