“Brighton Eyes Leeds United Star Amid Transfer Turmoil at Elland Road”
Brighton are reportedly determined to sign a Leeds United star after failing to secure the player earlier this summer.
Leeds narrowly missed an immediate return to the Premier League in May, losing the Championship play-off final to Southampton at Wembley.
Adding to the disappointment for Leeds fans, academy talent Archie Gray was sold to Tottenham for £40m in early July. Although this helped alleviate their financial concerns, it was a tough pill to swallow.
Leeds are also anticipating bids for wingers Wilfried Gnonto, who unsuccessfully tried to leave Elland Road last season, and Championship Player of the Year Crysencio Summerville. Manager Daniel Farke could not confirm if either player would be available for the season opener against Portsmouth.
“I can only judge what I see: both are fully integrated, enjoy being here, and work hard. Even in today’s game, the opposition targeted Summerville and Gnonto with numerous tackles. Their maturity and effort were evident, and I am hopeful they will deliver top performances like last season,” Farke said.
Another player Leeds might struggle to retain is Georginio Rutter. The Frenchman joined Leeds from Hoffenheim in January 2023 in a deal potentially worth £35m. Although he played little in the latter half of the 2022/23 season as Leeds were relegated, he became a fan favorite with eight goals and 16 assists last term.