There is a growing trend with promoted sides raiding relegated teams for their best players and this summer looks like it will be no different, as Leeds United look to make a few additions.
Leeds have been linked with signing players that have represented all three of the relegated clubs from the Premier League this season, with Kalvin Phillips the likeliest after his season-long loan at Ipswich.
Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News he would be surprised if Phillips doesn’t return to his boyhood club this summer. Elsewhere, Aaron Ramsdale is under consideration at Leeds as he leaves Southampton.
At Leicester, Jamie Vardy is available on a free and has been touted with a move to Elland Road. Now, one of Ramsdale’s Southampton teammates is a target for Leeds as well as Crystal Palace in a £30m deal.
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
Lee Hendrie thinks Leeds should sign Mateus Fernandes
Leeds have made Southampton’s Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes a priority this summer, with The Saints requesting a £30m fee. However, reports say Palace are also interested in landing the player.
Fernandes was one of Southampton’s only bright sparks this season, having a hand in eight goals for the Saints from a number of positions in midfield. Bought for £15m, Southampton want to double their cash.
Discussing the reports that Leeds are keen, Lee Hendrie told FLW: “I think he will leave. He’s another very good player that I think would fit the bill for Leeds for how they play. He’s got a little bit of everything.
“He’s another very good player that would fit the bill for Leeds. Got a little bit of everything. He would be a really, really good signing. I watch their signings: flamboyant, skill – he’s got that in abundance.
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“It would be a really good fit for Leeds, and for him. Obviously, Premier League, and an exciting team that where you might get a bit more out of him. Very good player, and it would be a good signing for Leeds.”
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Photo by Matt Watson/Southampton FC via Getty Images
Fernandes’ versatility makes him the perfect summer signing
The Portugal U21 international has shown this season that he can play in a number of different roles. He has the toughness to play in the middle of the park or even in front of the defence, but the flair as a 10.
It comes as little surprise that clubs are interested in keeping Fernandes in the Premier League. Leeds need midfielders, but also a no.10. Signing Fernandes helps cover both positions and even save money.
It would mean Leeds don’t necessarily need to bring in three new players, a new no.10 and two central midfielders. They could instead sign a 10 that can play deeper, and then just bring in one more midfielder.