FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - Premier League - Leeds United v Leicester City - Elland Road, Leeds, Britain - April 25, 2023 General view of a corner flag inside the stadium before the match REUTERS/Phil Noble/File Photo
After bringing in four new players so far this transfer window, Leeds United has now officially expressed interest in one of the Championship’s most sought-after stars this summer. The Whites will continue to comb the market for reinforcements.
Joe Rodon became the first after completing a permanent £10 million move from Tottenham, and Alex Cairns arrived right behind him.
After that, Joe Rothwell became the third player to join on loan from Bournemouth, and over the weekend, Jayden Bogle moved in from Sheffield United, a rival team in Yorkshire.
Leeds is anticipated to add players even more in the future because there are still many spots that require reinforcement.
“Formal” interest in Sammie Szmodics from Leeds
Before August ends, a lot of Leeds’ business might depend on the players they might lose in the upcoming days and weeks.
In recent days, West Ham and AS Roma have shown renewed interest in Crysencio Summerville, joining a long list of other interested parties. Regarding a Wilfried Gnonto trade, Everton is similarly optimistic.
Attack would take precedence if they were both gone, and Blackburn Rovers star Sammie Szmodics is one player who has been linked lately.
Ipswich Town of the Premier League and Leeds are reportedly in talks for Szmodics. However, Alex Crook of talkSPORT reports that Leeds is moving first.
Crook reported on Twitter earlier this morning that Leeds have now ‘formalised their interest’ in signing last season’s Championship top scorer.
According to the Sun, Blackburn are believed to be commanding a fee of £20 million to sell their talisman this summer, and in all honesty, it is difficult to see Leeds paying that sort of amount unless another major sale comes in.
Darragh MacAnthony says Szmodics would guarantee Leeds promotion
As mentioned, Szmodics was the division’s leading marksman last season as he netted 27 goals in 44 league appearances in a poor Rovers side.
He almost single-handedly stopped Blackburn from being relegated, and clearly Leeds see him as someone who could replace Summerville’s goals if he leaves.
In fact, Peterborough United owner Darragh MacAnthony recently went as far as saying Leeds would guarantee themselves promotion, if he was to sign.
He said: “Sammie, if I was a Leeds United, because they are going to lose some talent, doing what they have to do to bring in. He is pretty much guaranteeing you promotion because you’re buying the golden boot winner. That’s my tip Leeds fans, you should be buying Sammie Szmodics. Sorry Blackburn fans.”
