With two centre-backs in the door and added cover up front, the focus for Adam Underwood and Leeds United is likely to be a left-back and a midfielder as June gives way to July.
Sebastiaan Bornauw is expected to be announced by Leeds on Tuesday after the Belgium international underwent a medical on Monday. He will sign a four-year contract after Leeds agreed a £5m fee for him.
Centre-back was a problem area for Daniel Farke over the past couple of seasons, lacking any cover and often requiring Ethan Ampadu to step in. Now, Leeds are well-stocked even if Max Wober leaves.
The priority for Leeds will now be replacing Junior Firpo and bringing in a midfielder, after losing out to Sunderland in the race for Habib Diarra. Sweden ace Gabriel Gudmundsson is a top target at left-back.
In midfield, it is unclear who Leeds will now pursue. USG’s Noah Sadiki and Newcastle’s Sean Longstaff have been regularly linked – but Leeds won’t be signing Amadou Kone after he joined Saudi side Neom.
Amadou Kone in action for Stade Reims, prior to his move to Neom SC.
Photo by FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP via Getty Images
Amadou Kone told he’s making a mistake in snubbing Leeds
The 20-year-old workhorse has been excellent for Reims after breaking into the side, playing 48 times at senior level. He played in 24 of Reims’ 34 Ligue 1 games last season, acting as a defensive midfield screen.
But Kone has opted to make the move to newly-promoted Saudi side Neom, who are set to appoint the French boss Christophe Galtier. Former Mali star Cedric Kante says he is “surprised” at Kone’s choice.
Africa Foot asked Kante about the midfielder’s decision to join Neom over Leeds, thus confirming that Leeds had shown interest. Kante responded by saying he is “very surprised” at the £10m move to Saudi.
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“It’s very surprising. His club is expected to receive a significant transfer fee and he will undoubtedly have a large salary. But at 20 years old, choosing Saudi Arabia, Qatar, or the United Arab Emirates surprises me.
“It’s his choice, perhaps his club would prefer to move him to a club willing to pay a hefty fee. He could have learned a lot at Nice. But perhaps he’ll return to Europe in a few years if his departure is confirmed.”
Kone is not the only player Leeds and Neom have both wanted
The newly-promoted Saudi Pro League side are making moves in the transfer market, already signing former Arsenal and Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette. Said Benrahma has helped Neom win promotion.
Reports over the weekend said that Leeds had made Lyon goalkeeper Lucas Perri a ‘priority’, with the French club relegated after a ruling by the DNGC. LeedsUnited.News understands an appeal will be won.
Then, reports emerged that Neom had beaten Leeds and Sunderland to the signing of Polish goalkeeper Marcin Bulka, with both Leeds and Sunderland holding talks. Neom are making moves this summer.