Leeds United have made strides in reshaping their squad, securing Hoffenheim’s Anton Stach for £17.3m, plus add-ons, potentially redirecting their focus in the winger market. The towering 6ft 4in German international bolsters a midfield already comprising Ethan Ampadu, Ao Tanaka, Sean Longstaff, and Ilia Gruev, offering manager Daniel Farke a blend of height, control, and work rate.
With midfield and defensive issues largely resolved, Leeds shift their gaze back to attacking reinforcements. The pursuit of Feyenoord’s Igor Paixao persists, yet optimism has waned with Marseille seemingly leading the chase. A €30 million agreement, plus €5 million in add-ons, between Feyenoord and the Ligue 1 outfit, is on the table, though financial structures remain under negotiation. Leeds hope for an opening should those talks falter.
Attention could pivot to Armand Lauriente, as per Italian reports. The Sassuolo winger nearly joined Sunderland for £17.5 million, but the deal fell apart at the eleventh hour. Lauriente, familiar with Regis Le Bris from Lorient and capped at France U21 level, may now be on Leeds’ radar. His potential Elland Road switch would add another chapter to the ongoing transfer tussle between Leeds and Sunderland.
Sunderland fans, buoyed by their early transfer activities with signings like Noah Sadiki and Habib Diarra, have seen their targets overlap with Leeds throughout the window. The collapse of the Lauriente deal offers Leeds a chance to turn the tables, adding intrigue and rivalry to their summer manoeuvres.
Supporters of both clubs have engaged in lively exchanges online, with Sunderland seemingly holding the upper hand until now. However, should Leeds seize Lauriente, it would mark a significant shift in this transfer saga.
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