Leeds United are already looking for new players to keep The Whites in the Premier League next season and one crucial signing Daniel Farke’s men will have to make is up top.
Joel Piroe finished the season as the Championship’s top scorer, but the Dutchman’s form has been up and down after his £16m move from Swansea. Piroe has never played in the Premier League.
Graham Smyth expects Patrick Bamford to leave Leeds. Mateo Joseph failed to build on his pre-season momentum, managing just three goals, and Real Betis could make a bid for Joseph after January.
The Whites, then, need a proven Premier League striker who is entering their prime and can fire Leeds to safety next season. It appears The 49ers have found one – identifying a player at their direct rivals.
Leeds United are interested in signing Angus Kinnear’s new no.9
In the summer of 2023, Everton splashed a massive £26m to sign lofty striker Beto from Udinese. He struggled in his first season but this time around, has scored nine goals – seven in the Premier League.
The introduction of David Moyes as manager has paid dividends for Beto at Everton. Angus Kinnear is now set to take over and will take Nick Hammond with him, and a decision will have to be made on Beto.
That is after Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett has reported on Wednesday afternoon that Leeds want to splash some of their £100m+ budget on Beto this summer. The striker has two years left on his contract.
Dorsett said: “Excl: #lufc interested in #efc striker Beto, I’m told. Leeds have a transfer kitty of £100m+ such is their ambition to stay in PL. Huge reorganisation for Moyes this summer – with 15 out of contract.”
Excl: #lufc interested in #efc striker Beto, I’m told. Leeds have a transfer kitty of £100m+ such is their ambition to stay in PL. Unclear if Everton would allow their joint leading goalscorer (7) to leave, but huge reorganisation for Moyes this summer – with 15 out of contract.
The issue Leeds will have when they try to sign Beto
There are a few issues. The connection with Kinnear is a problem, given it will be seen as if the new Everton CEO is doing his old club favours. Everton are now a direct rival for Leeds next term.
But the main issue Leeds will find when trying to sign the Guinea Bissau striker is PSR. Everton will not want to make a loss on a player that has finally found his feet in the Premier League, having cost £26m.
A huge fee for a player that is improving, but Beto is still miles off proving his worth. With two years left on his deal, Everton will be under no pressure to sell after their takeover and the chances of it seem small.
