Leeds United and Everton are in an ‘all-English battle’ to sign Parma’s Mandela Keita this summer.
That’s according to Parma Live, who cover Leeds United and Everton interest and the Serie A side’s stance.
The Belgium international left his country for the first time when Parma signed him from Royal Antwerp in August 2024.
He played 70 matches so far, and 40 were from last season. The defensive midfielder’s performances have seen Everton include him in their target list.
On July 3rd, we relayed news that the Toffees contacted Parma to ask for a ‘payment plan’ to sign him.
Leeds United have already shown an interest in Parma goalkeeper Zion Suzuki and are also keen on Keita. Three days ago, Sport Witness covered claims from Italy of Daniel Farke’s side negotiating for the Belgian.
Leeds United and Everton keen
Atalanta have also shown interest in Mandela Keita, after Maurizio Sarri identified him as an ideal target. However, La Dea are now focusing on Cagliari’s Gianluca Gaetano.
Parma Live says this leaves ‘the field open for an all-English battle’ between Leeds United and Everton. The Premier League duo have already contacted the Italian club for the 24-year-old.
David Moyes’ side ‘in particular’ are keen on signing him to replace Idrissa Gueye. The 36-year-old has left the Merseyside club after his contract expired in June.
Leeds United are also keen on the Belgian and are ‘ready to compete’ with their Premier League rivals.
Parma have set a €30m price, and the outlet only points out the two English clubs have ‘similar financial resources’, without specifying whether either of them are ready to meet the asking price.
Leeds United and Everton could face competition from other unnamed clubs. Parma Live end their report by stating: ‘All that remains is to wait for further developments: the transfer market is known to be unpredictable.’
Belgian’s contract, value and agent info
Mandela Keita
Mandela Keita
There’s no Mandela Keita’s future decision and whether he’s open to join Leeds United or Everton this summer.
His contract is until 2029 and is valued at €20m by Transfermarkt. There has been an €8m raise over the last year.
Agency World in Motion, owned by agent Andy Evans, manage the Parma midfielder.