Leeds United are ready to break the bank to sign one player this summer, though Daniel Farke might now find it difficult to get the deal done.
Leeds United are being linked with some really exciting potential signings this summer, and all signs are pointing towards the 49ers spending big.
It’s already been revealed that Leeds United will spend £100million this summer and much of that wad could be spent on just a handful of players.
On Thursday it was claimed that Leeds United will spend £40million on Caoimhin Kelleher and Kostas Tsimikas at Liverpool, and there’s even more names that could cost the Whites a good chunk of that £100million kitty.
One such player is Leonardo Balerdi. It’s been reported that Leeds United are ready to bid for Balerdi at Marseille in what could become a record signing at Elland Road, surpassing the £35.5million fee that the club paid for Georginio Rutter in 2023.
Marseille determined to keep Leonardo Balerdi amid Leeds United interest
In a very ambitious bit of news, it’s been claimed that Leeds United could spend £38million on Balerdi. The Argentina international has become hot property after another standout season in Ligue 1, helping the club to what looks set to be a 2nd place finish in the French top tier.
But speaking on the French football podcast Rothen s’enflamme, journalist Jérôme Rothen has insisted that Marseille now want to keep the 26-year-old Balerdi, as they think he’d be pivotal in helping them compete in the Champions League next season.
Rothen said: “They absolutely want to keep him, Balerdi, even if there is an offer, they absolutely want to keep him for the Champions League, because they believe he is a player capable of having a full and consistent season.”
The other centre-back that Leeds United are keen to sign this summer
Despite the club being linked with so many players, there’s only two centre-backs on their rumoured shortlist right now: Balerdi and Jhon Lucumi.
And Lucumi has just won the Coppa Italia with Bologna ending the club’s 51-year wait to lift the Italian title in what has proved to be a massive upset.
Now with Marseille looking like they could play hardball over a potential sale of Balerdi, it could shift Leeds’ focus more towards Lucumi, who is reportedly valued at £11million.
A move for the Colombian centre-back could prove much easier and much more cost-effective for Farke this summer.
