Leeds United are eyeing attacking reinforcements this summer on top of Lukas Nmecha, with Manor Solomon not likely to re-join.
Manor Solomon helped Leeds United to win the title and return to the Premier League, with Daniel Farke’s side benefitting from the Spurs winger’s loan spell.
This time around, this current iteration of Leeds will be even more desperate to retain their top flight status at the first attempt.
The 49ers have the resources and infrastructure to ensure that is the reality, having seen previous regimes fail to maintain Premier League football at Elland Road before. However, strength in both boxes is paramount.
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Evann Guessand could replace Manor Solomon at Leeds but Wolves lead the race for the forward
Recently, it was revealed Spurs made a final decision on Solomon and that he is set to remain with the club during pre-season at least — and possibly beyond.
A number of players have been linked to Leeds already, but not enough can help Leeds get up the pitch and out of trouble as attacking outlets in the way Solomon’s close control could.
A winger with serious height and physicality could offer an alternative solution. A player who can also be versatile to operate in a number of forward roles is absolutely essential this summer. One such option is OGC Nice striker Evann Guessand.
Guessand was linked with a move to Leeds back in February after the transfer window had shut; and now that Leeds are promoted, it’s a link that makes a lot of sense.
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Over the weekend, reporter Ersan Serdal revealed that Crystal Palace, West Ham United, AFC Bournemouth and Leeds are all keen on Guessand this summer again, alongside Wolverhampton Wanderers.
However, the latter are said to be considering making an offer to seal the move swiftly, with a potential deal thought to be worth around €30 million or around £25.5 million.
The latest comes via Africa Foot, who state Wolves have made a concrete offer to Nice for the Ivorian, who has scored 13 goals and provided 10 assists this season. Nice are reportedly expecting around €30 million and the player is open to leaving.
Wolves are eyeing alternatives to Mateus Cunha, whose departure to Man United did Leeds a favour. Guessand could be the next attacker of exactly the required profile that Leeds miss out on unless they act swiftly to match Wolves.
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Leeds should be eyeing an alternative to Evann Guessand already
If Leeds look to retool their attack somewhat if they miss out on both Solomon and Guessand, including a different profile of wide attacker, then they need look no further than Dodi Lukebakio of Sevilla.
A signing Victor Orta made back in 2023, Leeds ought to be looking into Lukebakio. The Belgian winger has gone on to become one of the La Liga outfit’s best forward players and most potent attacking threats.
Not only does he have reliable output, but Lukebakio has the height, size, and athleticism to be the kind of outlet for any team desperately needing to relieve pressure in a relegation scrap. The 27-year-old is in his prime years and would be an excellent addition out wide.
Crucially, that is while also being of the required quality to make an impact via goals and assists as well. He is arguably Sevilla’s prized asset currently and Lukebakio would be perfect for Leeds’ starting lineup in 2025/26.
He is very similar to Guessand, albeit older and more experienced. Leeds could and should be monitoring both players over the coming days and weeks.