LETHAL REUNION: Leeds United Headcoach mount pressure on Leeds Owners to SIGN 23yr Old Epl defender with 2.2 tackles won per game and was once a “Top Player” and undefeated under Daniel Farke at Norwich.
Leeds United are expected to target several new players in the upcoming summer transfer window, with contingency plans in place in case any key players depart. While interest in talents like Archie Gray and Crysencio Summerville was anticipated, reports that Borussia Dortmund are pursuing Ilia Gruev have come as a surprise.
If Gruev leaves, Leeds manager Daniel Farke could look to reunite with his former Norwich City midfielder Oliver Skipp as a potential replacement. According to The Athletic, Leeds are interested in signing the 23-year-old Skipp, who made just five Premier League starts for Tottenham last season, to reinforce their midfield options.
The report also mentions Leeds’ interest in Tottenham defender Joe Rodon, though that move appears less likely now that Ipswich Town have emerged as suitors for the Welsh international. Nonetheless, Leeds will hope to secure Skipp’s services if Rodon’s transfer falls through.
Farke knows Skipp well, having managed him during Norwich’s Championship-winning 2020/21 campaign when the young midfielder earned a place in the division’s Team of the Season. The German coach could be the ideal figure to revitalize Skipp’s career and fill the potential void left by Gruev’s departure.
At Norwich, Skipp earned a reputation as a tenacious midfield disruptor, averaging 2.2 tackles per game over 45 appearances – superior to Gruev’s 1.6 tackles per game for Leeds last term. Hailed as a “top player” by Farke, Skipp could seamlessly slot into Leeds’ midfield if acquired.
While Skipp may not be Leeds’ only summer acquisition as they prepare for another grueling 46-game season, his signing could prove crucial in their bid to secure promotion back to the Premier League after falling short in the playoffs.