Daniel Farke, Paraag Marathe, Leeds United.
(Credit: Imago)
Evan Shaw
Mon 7 July 2025 19:10, UK
Leeds United appear set to face a crucial decision regarding their pursuit of Gonzalo García.
The Real Madrid youngster plundered 25 goals in Los Merengues’ B team last term and has recently excelled in the FIFA Club World Cup with four strikes in five games.
Lukas Nmecha has been the only addition to Daniel Farke’s attacking ranks so far this summer, with García emerging as another potential target.
Lukas Nmecha Leeds United
Nmecha has been the only attacking addition at Leeds this summer (Credit: Hasan Karim)
Leeds face big call as Sunderland make García bid
Leeds had been expected to try and sign García with a bid of £17million, but with that offer still yet to be made, they now look set to face a familiar pain once again.
The Whites have already gone toe to toe with Sunderland on several transfer pursuits this summer, most notably when the Black Cats hijacked their deal to sign Habib Diarra.
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Now the Whites look set to face another battle with their newly promoted rivals, who are understood to have tabled a bid of £25.9m for García, according to Fichajes (6 July).
The Black Cats’ bid is believed to appeal to Madrid, as it includes a 25 per cent sell-on clause, as well as a buy-back clause set at £34.5m.
That now leaves Leeds with a hugely significant call.
It is one thing to miss out on a transfer target, but it can sting even more if they join a likely rival, thus strengthening them at the same time.
Leeds must now weigh up whether they are prepared to go above and beyond their initial assessment for García to push ahead of Sunderland, or whether they allow Régis Le Bris’ side to get one up on them once again in the market.
Leeds should turn their back on García
Transfer battles with Sunderland have been a regular occurrence for Leeds this summer, but on this occasion, it makes sense for them to concede defeat to their likely relegation rivals.
García is clearly a hugely talented prospect, but Madrid’s desire to insert a buy-back clause should be enough to convince the Whites to turn their back on signing the Spaniard.
Team Apps Goals Assists
Real Madrid 9 5 2
Real Madrid Castilla 36 25 –
García’s 2024/25 stats.
That clause could easily prove problematic in the near future, and if Farke’s side were to suffer relegation, the last thing they would want is to have García immediately taken back by Madrid.
As difficult as it is to see a likely rival strengthen at your expense, Leeds shouldn’t allow themselves to resort to unfavourable deals in their pursuit of a striker.
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