Leeds United need a new centre-forward this summer despite bringing in Lukas Nmecha already.
It appears that Rodrigo Muniz is the top target for Leeds United from Fulham, with Leeds quoted £50 million initially for Muniz from their first enquiries.
Even if that reported figure is not the case, it’s likely that a club-record fee from Leeds is required to sign Muniz as the spearhead of their new-look attack this summer.
Muniz’s form has seen him compared to Erling Haaland, and it’s no great surprise to see why Muniz is also of interest to Tottenham and others around Europe.
Rodrigo Muniz cups his hand to his ear in celebration after scoring for Fulham against Liverpool.
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Fulham send Leeds mixed signals regarding Rodrigo Muniz
Muniz’s general profile is currently in vogue in the Premier League — so much so that Fulham fans are ridiculing Leeds over Muniz and even trying to make a transfer switch happen this summer.
There has been talk that Fulham want to offer Muniz a new deal amid interest from Leeds but nothing has materialised on that front so far.
The Cottagers have Muniz and Raul Jimenez as their main strikers but Ricardo Pepi could be a Muniz replacement as they have targeted him as well.
However, Lyall Thomas of Sky Sports then issued the following regarding the Brazilian, with Fulham stating Muniz is simply not for sale this summer.
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That’s despite the fact Fulham have looked at Pepi and that they are also considering Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi as well — per Italian transfer journalist Gianluca Di Marzio.
However, yet another striker is on their radar. It makes their stance to Leeds on Muniz somewhat confusing. David Ornstein reports that Fulham are pursuing deal to sign Romulo from Goztepe.
Interestingly, the 23-year-old is a similar age to Muniz and they have bid €16 million and add-ons with a sell-on clause. It’s been rejected without counter but talks are ongoing over a fee north of €20 million and other clubs are also targeting the Brazilian.
Should they sign two strikers and Muniz’s place in the pecking order drops further, Leeds could have the door opened for them on the 24-year-old; this saga continues to twist and turn.
FC St. Pauli 1910 v VfB Stuttgart - Bundesliga
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Emerdin Demirovic is an interesting option for Leeds instead of Rodrigo Muniz
Every player has a price and Fulham’s active role in the market for strikers also hints at that fact. However, we think the Whites could buy a cheaper alternative for Muniz.
Our pick for Leeds is Ermedin Demirovic of VfB Stuttgart. Beyond just scoring, the striker must also fit in profile terms; Leeds need a striker that can hold the ball up and link play in equal measure.
Muniz does that, but so does Demirovic. That is mainly on the basis that it can help Leeds to alleviate pressure on their defence.
On top of that, Leeds need a player who is athletic and mobile enough to run the channels and pull the opposition’s backline around.
If Leeds can sign someone who can do all of that, as well as score and make goals for themselves, then they have already given themselves a far greater chance of survival.
Demirovic would be far less expensive and capable of all the things Muniz is good at, but while being three years his senior.