West Ham United are likely to be a direct rival for Leeds United in The Whites’ bid to avoid relegation next season after The Hammers finished 15th last season – and now they could sign a Leeds target.
Leeds have made their second signing of the summer, finally announcing the £18.75m arrival of Jaka Bijol. The 63-time Slovenia defender’s announcement had been delayed until Monday evening.
The Whites have plenty of other priorities this summer. A new goalkeeper, a replacement for Junior Firpo, a midfielder, a no.10, a replacement for Manor Solomon and a starting striker to come in for Joel Piroe.
Leeds have not been linked with many wingers this summer, with rumours of a move for Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao seeming to have died down. Leeds are said to have held talks with Anderlecht’s Mario Stroeykens.
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West Ham table Mario Stroeykens bid after Leeds held talks
It comes after a brilliant season for Anderlecht, with Stroeykens having a hand in 12 goals for his boyhood club. Many see him as the next gem off the conveyor belt, following Romelu Lukaku and Youri Tielemans.
Anderlecht's Mario Stroeykens playing in a game against Royal Antwerp.
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According to Belgian outlet Voetbal Belgie, West Ham have now tabled an £8.5m bid to sign Stroeykens this summer. A player that is showing enormous potential and boasts huge resale value moving forward.
The report states that Anderlecht want a fee closer to £17m for Stroeykens, which would be an expensive move for a player that has only played in Belgium. Compromise is required, but West Ham are on pole.
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Strangely, Stroeykens is not the Anderlecht player Leeds want
Leeds have also been touted with a move to sign Denmark striker Kasper Dolberg, who has struggled to replicate his early potential but during the 2024-25 season, the forward netted an eye-catching 24 goals.
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The Whites are seemingly looking at the Belgian market for possible additions. Alongside Dolberg and Stroeykens, Leeds have also held talks for USG’s Noah Sadiki and like Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika.
There may be some truth behind Leeds’ pursuit of Stroeykens but if Adam Underwood wants the wide man then he will have to get his skates on – with West Ham clearly making moves to land the Belgian.