EFL REVIEW: Leeds United will have to offload some players particularly if Daniel Farke’s team due to….
Leeds United will be looking to offload some surplus players at Elland Road this summer, particularly if Daniel Farke’s team achieves promotion to the Premier League.
Liam Cooper’s dejected look at the end of Leeds’ dominant second-leg victory against Southampton indicates that the long-serving player might be on his way out. The German manager gave the 32-year-old a late appearance in the 4-0 win, allowing him to receive the fans’ appreciation at full-time.
The club is already considering upgrades to replace the veteran defender, with Joe Rodon being a prime candidate for a permanent move to the West Yorkshire club.
Their success in securing targets will likely hinge on whether they return to the Premier League or remain in the Championship. Reports suggest they are planning a move for an exciting center-back.
According to Sky Sports Germany reporter Florian Plettenberg, Leeds are interested in signing Gent center-back Jordan Torunarigha after the season ends, with TSG 1899 Hoffenheim also showing interest.
The Nigeria international would cost Leeds around £2.5 million, as reported by Plettenberg, surpassing the £1.3 million spent on current key player Crysencio Summerville.
Previously with Hertha Berlin, Leeds will need to convince Torunarigha to choose them over a return to the Bundesliga, where he scored six goals and provided five assists in 81 games.
Torunarigha’s playing style could fit well with Leeds, as seen with Rodon’s gradual adaptation to playing out from the back this season. Torunarigha has scored four goals and provided five assists in 102 games for Gent, demonstrating his skill on the ball.
This situation suggests a shift from the old to the new, with Cooper struggling at times this season and potentially becoming a liability if Leeds are promoted.
Gift Orban, a former teammate at Gent, described Torunarigha as “one of the best” defenders and praised his ball-handling and defensive abilities. Cooper would likely be further relegated in the pecking order with Torunarigha’s arrival.
Comparing the two on FBref, the £2.5 million-rated defender appears to be a smart acquisition, particularly with his progressive passes stat over the past year being five per 90 minutes, surpassing Rodon’s 4.35, despite the Tottenham Hotspur defender being valued at £10-15 million.
