Leeds United are bracing themselves for interest in three key players this summer…
What’s the word?
That’s according to The Athletic, who understand that the Yorkshire outfit are expecting to receive ‘strong interest’ in goalkeeper Illan Meslier, Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips.
Leeds held firm over interest in the latter two stars during the January transfer window but the off-season could present an opportunity to cash in on huge profits, which would then help bolster Marcelo Bielsa’s playing squad.
The Whites are in the driving seat, however, as Raphinha and Phillips are under contract until 2024, and Meslier signed a fresh extension to 2026, so any departures are certainly likely to be on their terms.
Will Leeds sell any of Meslier, Raphinha or Phillips in the summer?
YES!
NO!
A losing battle?
However, this is to be expected, especially with Leeds dwindling at the wrong end of the table – the prospects of offering some sort of European football seems rather slim, at least very much in the short term and by then, the players may have moved on.
It’s also hardly a surprise that these three stars are going to generate the most interest as outside of their injury woes and inconsistencies, it’s they who have shone the most.
Raphinha leads the squad in pretty much every attacking metric, having bagged the most goals (eight), provided more assists than anyone else (two) and is leading the way for key chances created (2.1), dribbles (2.4) and shots attempted (3.1) per game, as per WhoScored.
Bayern Munich and Liverpool have been linked with moves in the past.
Meanwhile, Phillips – who has been a crucial presence in Bielsa’s system – emerged as a key player for England on the international stage in the summer and he has not looked back.
West Ham United chanced their arm last month with a £50m bid but it’s the likes of Manchester United and the Reds that Leeds will worry about.
Meslier has impressed since arriving in England and establishing himself as the Whites’ no.1 between the sticks and at just 21, he’s nowhere near reaching his peak, which is why some teams may become keen to sign him.
Either way, this latest claim is sure to leave many around Elland Road worried – if not a little angry – as it could well be a losing battle for the club should bids start to come forward for such an important trio this summer.
AND in other news, Forget Brenden Aaronson: Bielsa may already have Mateusz Klich 2.0 at Leeds in “gifted” teen sensation…