Said El Mala Credit: Imago
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After finishing 14th in their first season back in the Premier League, Leeds United are now fully focused on the summer transfer window and building on the progress they made last season.
Daniel Farke has made it clear that he wants the club to show ambition in the market, but chairman Paraag Marathe has also stressed that Leeds will not compromise their financial stability in pursuit of new signings.
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Despite that, there is a shared understanding between Farke and the recruitment team that several areas of the squad need strengthening, with the club determined to bring in genuine upgrades and avoid standing still ahead of next season.
However, Leeds are determined to ensure that they take the next step in the upcoming transfer window and are now involved in the race for a winger wanted at Brentford, Brighton, Newcastle and Chelsea.
Leeds enter the race for FC Koln winger Said El Mala
Said El Mala, still just 19, scored 13 times and registered 5 assists in the recently-concluded Bundesliga season and is now wanted in the Premier League.
Brentford have already submitted an offer worth up to £40 million for the winger. However, Koln are yet to approve a deal that would see him move to the Bees.
The teenage winger is also wanted at Brighton, Chelsea and Newcastle United, and according to ontheminute.com, Leeds are also interested in El Mala.
It has been claimed that Leeds have joined the race for the Koln winger and are closely monitoring his progress amid the possibility of signing him.
Daniel Farke wants to add more goals and creativity to his squad, and El Mala is one of the kind of young talent the Leeds boss would love to sign.
He has the explosive pace to thrive in the Premier League, and Leeds are exploring the possibility of taking him to Elland Road in the upcoming transfer window.
Leeds will have to break their transfer record
The £36m Leeds paid for Georginio Rutter in January 2023 remains the biggest fee the club have forked out for a player until now.
However, Brentford have already offered to pay £40m for the winger, and it has yet to trigger Koln to sell the winger this summer.
📋 Metric Value 📊
🏟️ Appearances (Bundesliga) 34
⏱️ Minutes Played 1,957
⚽ Goals 13
👟 Expected Goals (xG) 11.53
🅰️ Assists 4
🎯 Total Shots 75
🔑 Chances Created 21
⚡ Successful Dribbles 44
🟨 Yellow Cards 4
⭐ Average Match Rating 6.93
The German club are expected to push for the highest possible fee, knowing that Premier League sides have the financial muscle to spark a bidding war for El Mala.
Daniel Farke wants to see more ambition from the board, and there would be no greater display of that if the club broke their transfer record to sign a player wanted at several Premier League clubs.