New names continue to be linked with a move to Leeds United after the club were promoted back to the Premier League – and Jamie Carragher is a big fan of the latest player to be touted.
The Whites are expected to be busy this summer as The 49ers look to build a squad capable of staying in the Premier League during 2025-26. Easier said than done, with all three promoted teams now relegated.
Paraag Marathe has said Leeds will spend every possible penny without breaking Profit & Sustainability Rules. Some have overspent to keep their sides at the top and then taken a points deduction later on.
But Leeds are set to fight within the rules, but only just. However, a few bargains, loan deals and possibly free agents will help Leeds pay for new signings elsewhere and Vladimir Coufal has emerged as an option.
Jamie Carragher is a massive fan of West Ham’s Vladimir Coufal
Now 32, Coufal is just five games away from playing 150 times in the Premier League. But, West Ham have confirmed that the Czech Republic international will leave the London Stadium on a free transfer.
Available on a free, Leeds and Everton are supposedly interested. Coufal has informed his agent – former Reading man Stephen Hunt – that he wants to remain in the Premier League ahead of next season.
Back in 2021, Jamie Carragher declared his “love” for Coufal when choosing his Premier League Team of the Season for 2020-21. On Sky Sports, Carragher picked Coufal in his TOTY over Man City’s Kyle Walker.
“I went for Coufal at right-back and I was obviously thinking of Manchester City’s back four as well and Kyle Walker and Joao Cancelo and they’ve always been fighting between themselves,” he said in 2021.
“I love Coufal, I love him! He plays week-in, week-out, maybe not the most eye-catching going forward, but I think he’s been brilliant, sums up West Ham’s season,” Carragher said, as per West Ham’s website.
What Graeme Bailey has now told us about Vladimir Coufal
Leeds could be in the market for new full-backs with Sam Byram and Junior Firpo both out of contract on June 30. There have been conflicting reports regarding the duo’s future at Leeds in the coming weeks.
Leeds will have to confirm who they are keeping on a retained list, which is soon-to-be released. Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Graeme Bailey says Coufal’s agents have spoken to Leeds about a move north.
The 49ers are clearly looking to add Premier League-proven players with top-flight experience in a bid to keep The Whites in the top tier. Coufal is an example of that, saving Leeds some cash at the same time.
