Leeds United are officially at the magic 40-point mark in the Premier League, and with four games to spare.
Those at Elland Road went one step closer to safety after a last-gasp draw against Bournemouth, and Daniel Farke is beginning to look like a Manager of the Year candidate.
The German has taken his side from early-season doubts to just two defeats in their last ten games. It has been a remarkable run centred around his tactical genius back in November.
Any doubts that the 49ers were having should be long put to bed, as they prepare for a blockbuster summer.
Where Leeds could back Farke in the transfer market
With survival pending, Leeds have the opportunity to look ahead to the summer transfer window earlier than some of their rivals. It’s an opportunity to get out ahead and find their cure for second-season syndrome.
The 49ers already got their recruitment spot on last summer, welcoming the likes of Anton Stach and a much-needed goalscorer in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Now, 12 months later, they should back Farke in full by splashing the cash.
Just who could arrive is the big question. The Yorkshire club will have the clout that comes with survival and could look to pick apart some of the Championship’s top clubs.
That could see them turn their focus towards Southampton’s Leo Scienza, who has enjoyed an excellent campaign. If he fails to secure promotion with the Saints, then rumours suggest that it could be Leeds who swoop in.
That’s just one of a number of potential priorities at Elland Road this summer, however. Alongside Scienza, the 49ers could also finally hand Leeds a replacement for Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds could sign their new Phillips
The midfielder was crucial under Marcelo Bielsa, doing enough to become an England mainstay before dropping off when he left Elland Road. Now, Farke needs to push for his own version of the ex-Leeds star.
Just like they could take advantage of Southampton’s failure to reach the Premier League, the 49ers could take advantage of Wolverhampton Wanderers’ failure to stay in the top flight this summer.
According to reports from TEAMtalk earlier this month, Leeds have held in-person talks to sign Joao Gomes from the Midlands club and may break their transfer record to welcome the Brazilian, who could cost £50m.
|
Rank |
Player |
Fee |
Signed from |
Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1 |
Georginio Rutter |
£35.5m |
Hoffenheim |
2023 |
|
2 |
Brenden Aaronson |
£28.5m |
RB Salzburg |
2022 |
|
3 |
Rodrigo |
£26m |
Valencia |
2020 |
|
4 |
Dan James |
£25m |
Man Utd |
2018 |
|
5 |
Luis Sinisterra |
£21m |
Feyenoord |
2022 |
The Whites allegedly held a meeting with Wolves after securing a 3-0 victory and it was then that they were able to bring up Gomes’ name in what would be an ambitious move.
The £50m man has also been linked with the likes of Liverpool over the last 12 months, but Leeds are seemingly prepared to make a statement – welcoming their best midfielder since Phillips in the process.
|
PL stats P90 |
Gomes 25/26 |
Phillips 21/22 |
|---|---|---|
|
Minutes |
2,474 |
1,595 |
|
Tackles |
3.24 |
3.05 |
|
Recoveries |
6.37 |
10.16 |
|
Chances created |
0.51 |
0.51 |
|
Duel Success |
50.4% |
45.5% |
It’s easy to see why Leeds have set their sights on Gomes. Compared to Phillips’ final season at the club, the Wolves man has won more tackles and enjoyed better duel success in the current campaign.
Like the ‘Yorkshire Pirlo’ during his time at Elland Road, Gomes is a tough tackler with a bulldog-like approach. He’s brilliant at breaking up the play and acting as a disruptor, notably making as many as six ball recoveries per 90 this season.
If those in Yorkshire can convince the South American to join this summer, then they will have three quality midfield options in Gomes, Stach and Ethan Ampadu.
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