Pundit’s Perspective: Leeds Require an Exceptional Deal to Sign Midfielder with Premier League Prospects

Oliver Skipp was heavily linked with Leeds United while his current club, Tottenham Hotspur, negotiated for Archie Gray. Eventually, Joe Rodon moved to Elland Road on a full-time deal in a separate transaction.

Recent discussions about Skipp joining Daniel Farke’s side have resurfaced (Planet Sport, 15 July) due to Leeds’ need for midfield reinforcements after selling both Gray and Glen Kamara.

Former Leeds midfielder David Norris is uncertain whether the club can attract Skipp to West Yorkshire.

“My heart says he would take the opportunity if it was offered at such a big club to get them out of the Championship,” Norris told MOT Leeds News. “But my head says he might rather stay at Spurs or possibly get another Premier League move. Unless the deal was really good, I can’t see him taking that risk of going to Leeds when there might be Premier League opportunities for him.”

Despite signing Joe Rothwell, Leeds still need more midfield cover beyond Ilia Gruev and Ethan Ampadu.

Norris believes there’s a chance Skipp, under contract with Tottenham until 2027, could stay and fight for his place under Ange Postecoglou or find another Premier League club. The Sporting News (17 July) reported that Skipp had turned down the opportunity to join Leeds, likely competing with Gray for playing time, having played fewer than 700 minutes in the Premier League last season.

Leicester City, freshly promoted back to the Premier League, are reportedly interested in Skipp’s services (Yorkshire Evening Post, 17 July), following their successful acquisition of another Spurs midfielder, Harry Winks, last season.

Currently, it seems like Leeds might have to concede in their pursuit of Skipp. However, he has the chance to play regular football and potentially return to the Premier League in the near future.