Leeds United have already confirmed the signings of two players this summer, with Rasmus Kristensen joining Brenden Aaronson at Elland Road as football manager Victor Orta has not been shy about opening the checkbook. The Whites have been criticized for not providing enough depth options under Marcelo Bielsa, as his Leeds team seemed exhausted at times from injuries and penalties, but they appear to be backing Jesse Marsch this summer. With two transfers already made and dusted, Express Sport looks at four players who could move on to Elland Road below.
Goncalo Plata
After spending £ 35million, Leeds could add Sporting Lisbon striker Gonzalo Plata to their ranks. The 21-year-old spent last season on loan at Real Valladolid in Ligue 2, scoring six goals and providing five assists, as he was promoted to the first time he applied for. Despite returning to the top Spanish division, it seems unlikely that they will pay the asking price of £ 8.5 million, leaving the door open for Leeds.
Plata has been called up 27 times by Ecuador, and can play as a winger or behind the striker. With Aaronson already in the creative ranks of the midfield, along with Jack Harrison and Dan James, Orta and Leeds could be preparing for life after Raphinha, who has been linked with his move to Barcelona.
Junior Adam
After sealing the transfers of two players from Red Bull Salzburg, Marsch’s former club, Leeds could return for a third to Junior Adamu. The Nigerian is arousing the interest of several Premier League teams after his seven goals and five assists in 30 games in the Austrian Bundesliga last season.
At 21, he may need time to adjust to the league after completing his first full season at Salzburg last year, and could offer good competition for Patrick Bamford as the English striker continues to recover from injury, or may be a strike mate if Marsch chooses to use his 4-2-2-2 formation next season.
Marc Roca
The last name linked with Leeds is Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca. Athletic have stated that midfielder Roca is being targeted by Marsch’s team and that the German giants would be willing to sell the Spaniard for a fee of £ 10 million.
Roca went to Espanyol where he received a lot of applause and was called up seven times by Spain under-21, but did not make an impact since his move to Germany. Despite the lack of physical element of the game, he was known for his move to Spain to be a strong passenger and prospered in the role of midfielder in the 4-3-3 of Espanyol. He could replace Kalvin Phillips, who has been linked with a move to Manchester City, or release the England international and allow him to play above the pitch.