Leeds United want to sign the best this summer to ensure their survival in the Premier League.
It is always a challenge for a newly promoted club to convince star players to join, especially after the ongoing trend of promoted clubs being relegated.
The ambition is there for all to see as Leeds want Mateus Fernandes, who was one of these shining players who got relegated.
With the Whites returning to the top flight, clubs already in the top tier will have a step up, and Leeds will need Fernandes more than other teams around them.
Plenty of transfer battles will be taking place, and another one is on the horizon, but Leeds might have the upper hand for once.
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty Images
Leeds United are in talks with Bayern Munich star Daniel Peretz
Even though Fernandes is a ‘number one priority’, Daniel Farke will know his midfield is the least of his concerns after last season.
The two main areas that need targeting are the goalkeeper and a striker, and with Leeds building around six of their starters, this does not include either position.
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Joel Piroe might have his questions, but Illan Meslier has no excuses after a ‘disastrous’ season.
This means a keeper will be a target needing to be nailed down by Farke and the hierarchy, and they might have found a gem over at Bayern Munich.
According to the Bayern Insider podcast, presented by journalists Christian Falk and Tobi Altschäffl, Genoa and Leeds are in talks with Daniel Peretz.
The Israeli goalkeeper prefers a move abroad rather than within Germany with a decision expected to be made in ‘one to three weeks’.
Peretz has remained Munich’s back-up goalkeeper and might be on the lookout for a number one spot.
Where better to look than Elland Road at the moment.
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Peretz has a red flag but Leeds United could sign a gem
It’s clear this summer that a new shot-stopper will enter the frame, and with Meslier not willing to be back-up, his exit looks certain.
A real shame for the Frenchman who has shown brilliance at times in his six-season stay, but the time feels right.
As for Peretz, the Whites will no doubt be taking a risk, as his game time at Bayern proves he’s been the ultimate back-up.
Just seven appearances in his two-year stay is a worrying sign, but that’s ultimately what you get with a second choice.
Not every back-up is like this of course, which is why Leeds might prefer target Caoimhin Kelleher.
But Peretz has shown his brilliance on international duty with Israel.
Peretz’s statistics in Israel 2-4 Norway
Minutes played 90
Saves 8
xGOT faced 5.13
Goals prevented 1.13
Saves inside box 7
Farke would have to integrate the 24-year-old into the squad quickly after his lack of action between the sticks, but promising signs of Peretz being a strong candidate in the Premier League emerge after the amount of shots he faced vs Norway, which is a challenge Leeds will face.
With Bayern signing the keeper for £4m and having three years left on his contract, the Whites might be able to reach a sustainable fee, and judging by his performance vs Norway, Leeds could sign a gem.