Leeds United are set to be active in the summer transfer window, and according to recent reports, the club have planned a record-breaking transfer for one particular star.
Daniel Farke’s team had a successful season after a while. After a difficult start, they were finally able to secure Premier League survival with relative ease. Elland Road supporters hope that relegation will not even be a factor next season. A strong summer transfer window can add even more quality and depth to the team.
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Several key areas seem to be in focus, but it is the defence Leeds are working hardest to recruit for this summer. Now an offer is already on its way to a concrete goal.
Leeds prepare bid for Ousmane Diomande
According to the print edition of Portuguese newspaper A Bola, Ousmane Diomande is a transfer target for Leeds. It is reported that Leeds are willing to go to “extremes” to get a deal in place. At the same time, it is suggested that the club’s offer will shatter their own transfer record.
The current record stands at approximately £36 million, which was paid to sign Georginio Rutter from Hoffenheim back in January 2023 – a move that received mixed reactions towards the end.
An offer of €50 million (£43.1 million) could be made to Sporting CP to get a deal in place, with this amount including any bonuses.
This is a rough estimate, but the Portuguese club is willing to start negotiations at this level. However, it remains to be seen whether the structure of the agreement will have to be changed in order to reach a final agreement.
Any transfer could be difficult, especially since Diomande is away on international duty with Ivory Coast during the upcoming World Cup in 2026. Leeds still seem to be open to trying to get a deal.
Leeds’ contract dilemma at centre-back
The eventual arrival of Diomande could give Leeds quality in defence. The centre-back has so far in his career been described as “phenomenal”.
Although he comes with both experience and room for further development as a 22-year-old, a signing will raise questions about the other centre-backs at Elland Road.
This is especially true of the contract situations of Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon. The former has only one year left on his current contract, while the latter has two years left.
Leeds have also opened up talks about signing a Barcelona star who is being referred to as “one of the best talents”. In other words, Leeds are preparing for a busy summer window.
Both Struijk and Rodon have been incredibly important for Leeds under Farke in recent seasons. However, the arrival of Diomande could shake up the defensive layer again.
That could make the club reconsider the contract situation of the two stoppers. The question is whether Leeds should offer them better terms in the coming months – or not.
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