Leeds United have a make-or-break summer transfer window ahead of them, with numerous key additions needed if they are to beat the drop in the Premier League.
Daniel Farke has conducted an excellent job in leading the side back to England’s top flight, but the real challenge starts now as he needs to keep the side in the division for more than one season.
No side in each of the last two years who achieved promotion have managed to maintain their top-flight status, but the Whites have already demonstrated they’re keen to break buck such a trend.
Jaka Bijol looks set to move to Elland Road after travelling to England for his medical, potentially joining Lukas Nmecha in arriving in Yorkshire ahead of the 2025/26 campaign.
However, their business has shown no signs of showing down this summer, with Farke needing key investment from the hierarchy in his quest to achieve his goal.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer
A striker has been one of Leeds’ main priorities for the off-season, that’s despite Joel Piroe ending last campaign as the Championship’s top scorer with 19 goals.
Beto, Evann Guessand and Fabio Silva have all been mentioned as potential options for the German, but it appears as though work is currently being conducted elsewhere.
Over the last couple of days, the hierarchy have been keeping an eye on a move to sign Dynamo Kyiv talisman Vladyslav Vanat, that’s according to LeedsUnited.News’ latest report.
They claim that the club’s scouts have been monitoring him at the U21 Euros this summer, with the forward scoring once in his three group games with Ukraine.
It also states that he also has a £17m release clause within his current contract, a deal which could prove to be a potential bargain after his record of 21 goals in 45 club appearances this season.
Why Leeds’ £17m target would be a better signing than Muniz
Alongside a deal for Vanat this summer, Leeds have been closely monitoring a move for Fulham star Rodrigo Muniz as Farke looks to further add depth to his frontline.
The Brazilian scored eight times in the Premier League last campaign, doing so in 31 outings, but only eight of which came from a starting position – showcasing his impressive nature in front of goal.
Such form has seen the Whites make a £32m bid including add-ons, but the offer was swiftly rejected, with Fulham seeing the 24-year-old as a key part of their first-team plans.
There’s no denying that the hierarchy are showing the ambition needed if the club are to stay up next season, but ultimately, Muniz isn’t worth the price tag touted – leading to other options being considered as a result.
After the rejection, it appears as though Vanat is now one of their main targets for the striker position, with the Ukrainian providing a better and cheaper option than the Brazilian.
The 23-year-old, who’s been labelled “clinical” by talent scout Antonio Mango, has massively outscored the Cottagers talisman, backing up the comment made about his ability in the final third.
He’s also achieved a better conversion rate in front of goal, taking chances that fall his way with both hands, something that will be pivotal if they are to beat the drop.
Joel Piroe
26
Manor Solomon
22
Dan James
21
Wilfried Gnonto
15
Junior Firpo
14
Brenden Aaronson
11
Jayden Bogle
10
Vanat’s all-round play is just as impressive, registering more assists and completing more dribbles per 90, handing Farke an extremely impressive talent should they land his signature.
It remains to be seen if the player himself is keen on a move to Elland Road this window, but given the levels he’s produced, the club must take a risk and trigger his current clause.
Muniz has shown he can deliver in England’s top flight, but his subsequent price tag is nothing short of absurd, which could see Leeds land themselves a hugely promising star in the form of Vanat.
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