Daniel Farke will be eager to be the man to keep Leeds United in the Premier League next season.
Farke will have an increased amount of pressure on him next campaign, with Leeds looking set to struggle in the Premier League.
This isn’t entirely the case however, as Farke and the 49ers are working behind the scenes to create a strong squad going into the new season.
£100m looks to be at Leeds’ disposal, so the right moves will need to be made, and the club will hope players can see the project they are building.
Well, hopefully it’s not a sign of things to come, as Leeds have missed out on their second target after Caoimhin Kelleher joined Brentford.
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
Photo by Cameron Howard/Getty Images
Leeds United set to miss out on transfer target to Nottingham Forest
The 49ers will be hoping their master plan comes to fruition this window, but things could turn sour if signings aren’t made quickly.
Farke will need a major overhaul as Leeds want four positions given serious improvements this summer.
One of these is a striker, and with Joel Piroe being deemed not good enough to start in the top flight, many options have been considered.
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However, one who hasn’t risen to the surface is Botafogo striker Igor Jesus, who is seemingly joining Nottingham Forest, according to David Ornstein.
Speaking to LeedsUnited.News, Graeme Bailey has revealed that the 49ers attempted to sign Jesus among other clubs, but Forest came out on top.
“I do know they (Leeds) were one of the clubs who were showing interest in Igor Jesus, who Forest are about to sign,” Bailey said.
“Forest are getting him in a triple deal. So he’s a very good player and that was probably more the sort of one who you would hope Leeds are looking at.”
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Igor Jesus would’ve been a gem for Leeds as the 49ers miss out
Not only have Leeds lost out on what would’ve been an excellent striker acquisition, but a potential relegation rival in Forest have strengthened, with the potential of European football disturbing their Premier League plans.
The Brazilian comes with a decent goal-scoring record, but it’s his off-the-ball work and physicality in duels that make him a bargain at £17m (Globo) and a nightmare for defenders.
Igor Jesus’ statistics for Botafogo in 2024
Games played 22
Goal involvements 8 (5G+3A)
Touches in opposition box 109
Duels won 109
Duels won per 90 6.93
Although there will be frustration, it does show good signs that the Whites are looking into this rogue type of deal.
Forest being in Europe does give them that extra pull, and with Paraag Marathe wanting Leeds in Europe, this is what he hopes to happen at Elland Road one day.
However, this could turn into a trend this summer with the Whites set for many more rejections.