GOOD NEWS: Leeds United now handed a HUGE lifeline over the Transfer chase of Premier League ACE after 49ers told Player will definitely make a move to Championship as Summer Transfer window will be Officially open on Friday.
As clubs gear up to officially commence transfer activities from the latter part of this week, Leeds United will be eager to make a swift start after the disappointment of losing the play-off final. Leeds’ failure to secure signings until the third week of July last summer ultimately hindered their promotion push, but Paraag Marathe has already assured that the club is in a better position to capitalize on the transfer window this time around.
Working alongside Daniel Farke, Leeds’ newly formed recruitment team under the guidance of 49ers Enterprises has been diligently scouting potential targets behind the scenes. Farke has already held talks with Brenden Aaronson regarding a potential return following the end of his loan spell, indicating active efforts in the transfer market.
While transfer links for Leeds have been relatively sparse, a few names have emerged in recent weeks. Soon-to-be free agent Bobby De Cordova-Reid and Excelsior winger Couhaib Driouech are reportedly on Leeds’ radar, according to reports.
However, the first concrete target to emerge is young Chelsea defender Alfie Gilchrist, with Leeds, Blackburn Rovers, and Preston North End all keen on securing his services on loan. According to Ben Jacobs, Leeds may have to wait until after the pre-season to finalize a deal for Gilchrist, but the player would be open to a move to Elland Road despite the rivalry between Chelsea and Leeds.
Jacobs provided further insight, stating, “The feeling is he will be loaned out to a Championship club, that’s the plan and the player’s intent… I am sure in the coming weeks he will end up at a Championship club, but it might be more like late July or early August… You’ve got Leeds, Preston and Blackburn as the clubs who have made a formative approach. To all intents and purposes, Gilchrist would be open to a Leeds move. He has great respect, Chelsea and Leeds have a great rivalry, but nonetheless, he would go there. He would be very willing to help Leeds fight and get promoted.”
Gilchrist’s versatility would provide Leeds with valuable options at the back. The 17-year-old made his breakthrough into Chelsea’s first team last season, featuring predominantly as a right-back under Mauricio Pochettino and even scoring his first goal for the club against Everton. However, his natural position is center-back, where he played most of his time in Chelsea’s academy.
With Leeds in need of reinforcements at both right-back and center-back positions, Gilchrist’s ability to excel in both roles makes him an attractive prospect for the Yorkshire club.