Leeds United are now among the Premier League clubs battling it out to sign a Bundesliga star, who would break the current transfer record at Elland Road.
Leeds now targeting attacking star
Now's not the time for Leeds to take their foot off the gas. After avoiding the drop at the first time of asking, those at Elland Road have the even tougher task of becoming an established Premier League side. And that must start in the recruitment department this summer.
Paraag Marathe was quick to remind supporters about SCR cautions at the end of the season, but that should not rule out reinforcements entirely.
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The 49ers have already reportedly set their sights on some interesting names. Ladislav Krejci is one of those names. The Wolverhampton Wanderers defender is up for grabs after their relegation and Leeds are among the clubs battling to land his signature.
The same can also be said for a Bundesliga talent. According to On The Minute, Leeds have stormed into the race to sign Said El Mala from FC Koln this summer, joining Newcastle United, Brighton, Brentford and Chelsea in the fight to land the winger's signature.
The deal won't come cheap, however. Reports are suggesting that El Mala could cost as much as €50m (£43m) after an excellent season in Germany.
Leeds United's most expensive signings of all time
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That means Leeds will have to smash their current transfer record if they are to sign the 19-year-old this summer. Whether the 49ers have wriggle room on the SCR front to do that remains to be seen, however.
Leeds should go all out for El Mala
£43m is a hefty fee. No one around Elland Road will deny that, but sometimes players emerge that are worth every penny. El Mala is one of those.
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Dubbed "magnificent" by scout Jacek Kulig, the teenager scored 13 goals in all competitions this season and added another five assists. He can play all across the frontline and could potentially partner Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Leeds. This is a player who very much ticks all the boxes.
What should excite fans the most is that there's still more to come. El Mala is yet to even reach the peak of his powers, yet his breakthrough has been so impressive.
A record fee could quickly turn into a bargain if he reaches his potential. Leeds would ultimately regret the money they saved if they missed out on such a talent.
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