Leeds Plot Premier League Survival with £100m Transfer Overhaul and Bold Moves for Pope, Beto & Krstovic
After securing promotion from the Championship, Leeds United and manager Daniel Farke face the daunting task of defying the trend of newly promoted clubs crashing back into the Championship. In recent seasons, teams like Leicester, Ipswich, Southampton, Burnley, Luton, and Sheffield United have all been relegated at the first time of asking, showing how brutal Premier League survival can be.
However, Leeds are setting themselves up for a serious fight. With just weeks to go before the new season kicks off, they are preparing for a major transfer window that could surpass the £100 million mark.
A new goalkeeper is high on the agenda. With Illan Meslier’s position uncertain following his exclusion from the final seven games of last season, attention has turned to Newcastle’s Nick Pope. If the Magpies succeed in their £40m pursuit of Burnley’s James Trafford, Pope could be allowed to leave. Leeds could then swoop for the 33-year-old, who would be eager to secure regular Premier League football ahead of the next World Cup.
In attack, Leeds are linked with Everton striker Beto, who impressed in the second half of last season under David Moyes. His tally of seven goals in 19 appearances helped steer Everton away from danger. However, he won’t come cheap, with a price tag expected to exceed £30m.
Leeds have already bolstered their squad with free agent Lukas Nmecha from Wolfsburg and centre-back Jaka Bijol from Udinese. But their ambitions don’t stop there.
Montenegro international Nikola Krstovic of Lecce is another forward being monitored. After scoring 11 goals and registering five assists in Serie A last season, his efforts were crucial in keeping Lecce in the top flight. With an estimated price tag of £25.6m and Lecce already eyeing his replacement in Basel’s Kevin Carlos, a deal may be on the cards.
Defensively, Real Betis centre-back Natan is also a target. The Brazilian, now permanently signed by Betis from Napoli, has reportedly attracted interest from Leeds, Lazio, and others. Despite a €27m offer being turned down, Leeds remain keen on forming a new central defensive pairing, with Natan potentially lining up alongside Bijol.
With heavy investment and strategic additions across the pitch, Leeds are clearly aiming to beat the drop and establish themselves back in the Premier League.