Leeds line up move for “incredible” £35m star

Leeds United have one final friendly match left to tick off on their bumper pre-season schedule before the gruelling, new Premier League season kicks off.

A trip to Ireland to face off against AC Milan will be that last summer runout for Daniel Farke’s Whites, with the German manager dishing out some home truths last time out against Villarreal in a 1-1 draw, after declaring his squad ‘not ready for Premier League level’.

Thankfully, there is still a month or so until the chaotic transfer window officially closes, as Leeds look set to be busy right up until September’s early deadline.

Leeds hold interest in £35m star

With both Patrick Bamford and Mateo Joseph not in the ex-Norwich City manager’s plans, it looks as if a new striker is a must through the door.

Everton attacker Beto is allegedly on the Whites’ shopping list this summer as they seek out a Premier League-ready centre-forward, with Fulham marksman Rodrigo Muniz presumably a target they’re still chasing after to add reinforcements up top.

Away from filling in holes in the centre-forward department, the top-flight newcomers will also want more strength in depth in the number ten spot on the pitch.

Bilal El Khannouss’ name keeps popping up, as the Leicester City number ten attempts to stay put in the Premier League after the Foxes’ dismal relegation. But another name has now emerged, who also once called Carrow Road home, like Farke.

Indeed, as per a report by CaughtOffside, Leeds are in the race to sign former Norwich midfielder Gabriel Sara, but face stern competition from Aston Villa, Everton, Nottingham Forest, and Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Villa is even stated as being close to entering into talks with the £35m Brazilian, with Leeds having to move quickly if they want to land the dazzling South American over their competitors, as they line up a swoop for the left-footed ace.

Sara might even be a better option to pick up than the much-talked-about El Khannouss, as the 26-year-old readies himself for an opportunity in the Premier League that’s well-deserved.

Why Sara would be a better signing than El Khannouss

Of course, El Khannouss would also be able to offer Leeds plenty of quality from that number ten role.

After all, even as Leicester did succumb to their dire relegation fate, the Moroccan would stand out as a bright spark throughout, as seen in his promising two goals and three assists, with more assists perhaps coming his way if he was surrounded by more eager teammates, off the back of the 21-year-old creating eight big chances overall in league action.

However, if Leeds want immediate quality that will be able to take the top-flight by storm, Sara should be their desired man over the up-and-coming Leicester number 11.

When staring at the table above, it’s clear why Sara was branded as an “incredible” talent by U23 scout Antonio Mango during his heyday in Norfolk, with a whopping 36 goals and assists collected in Championship action across his two seasons donning Canaries yellow and green.

On top of these standout numbers in the EFL, Sara has also proven himself at a challenging, top-flight level in Turkey, with 12 big chances created for Galatasaray last season across 30 Super Lig encounters. That tally, with eight assists to boot as well, blows El Khannouss’ numbers out of the water.

Further dubbed as being “gifted” by football analyst Ben Mattinson, this could well be the standout signing – at the £35m mark – that allows Farke to breathe a little easier about his side’s Premier League credentials, rather than relying on the Moroccan to mature quickly wearing Leeds white.

Leeds won’t want to be left in the dust when it comes to Sunderland’s mega spending, with a deal for Sara to join for a hefty £35m making the Premier League more aware that the Whites will put up a valiant fight next season to survive, and possibly, thrive.