Leeds target £20million star Pep Guardiola has called “one of the best” he has ever coached
Leeds are preparing for an important second season back in the Premier League after successfully maintaining their top-flight status, and now Daniel Farke is set to oversee another important summer at Elland Road.
Leeds returned to the Premier League last summer and faced a difficult but ultimately successful campaign to return to England.
Survival remained a priority throughout the season, but the club showed signs of progress during the second half of the year as Farke gradually strengthened their playing style and improved consistency against other mid-table and bottom teams.
The Whites have also reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup since the 1980s, so there is plenty to build on.
With another year of Premier League football secured, attention has quickly turned to strengthening key areas of the club.
Nottingham Forest are planning a ‘desperate’ move for the Leeds star who is in talks to sign him in 2024.
His club is determined to keep him.
Defense is believed to be one of Leeds’ priorities this summer, and one player who has now been linked is Man City defender Nathan Ake.
Leeds are eyeing a summer move for Man City defender Nathan Ake
According to Graeme Bailey of TEAMtalk, Leeds are among the clubs that have expressed interest in the Dutch player this summer.
Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are believed to be monitoring the situation as uncertainty grows over Ake’s future at the Etihad Stadium.
The report claims that City could be ready to look at offers worth up to £20 million as new manager Enzo Maresca reshapes his squad following Pep Guardiola’s emotional farewell.
Ake remains one of the most experienced defenders in the Premier League although injuries have curtailed parts of his recent seasons.
The Dutchman joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 and has won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups and the Club World Cup.
His ability to work in midfield and at left back has made him a valuable team player under Guardiola.
Although injuries and competition for places have limited his involvement in the past two campaigns, Guardiola has continued to speak highly of the defender whenever appropriate.
Before City’s match against Crystal Palace earlier this season, the former City manager praised Ake and even said that the 31-year-old is one of the best players he has ever coached.
“Nathan has a job to do in terms of concentration, he is one of the record players and there are few reliable players,” said Pep.
“If he has to play every few days, he struggles, but the last game of the Carabao Cup, the last game against Brentford, he is done.
“Wow. You’re one of the best I’ve ever been around.
“Other than that he is one of the most unbelievable players in his team and team-mates and he was a fantastic signing for Bournemouth.
“He played in the Champions League final in Istanbul, that’s how reliable he is. A great person and a great player.”
Those comments underline why Leeds’ interest is attracting attention.
Ake will bring quality experience to a team that is still adapting to the demands of Premier League football.
His composure, tactical intelligence and adaptability will all fit the profile Leeds are believed to be targeting this summer.
A reported £20m fee could still represent a major investment for Leeds, however, considering Ake only has a year left on his deal and is approaching the twilight of his career.
Although the club’s financial situation is much better after survival, Leeds are still expected to spend carefully and prioritize players who can make an immediate impact.
For Leeds, however, the links show a wider desire to establish themselves at Premier League level.
Farke’s side have shown resilience in their first campaign back to the top flight, but it is recognized that the squad still needs a lot of depth and experience if the club is to progress towards mid-table or beyond next year.
Whether Ake will leave City remains uncertain, but Leeds’ interest reflects the level of experience and pedigree they are now exploring as they prepare for another tough Premier League season.
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