Opinion: Leeds Must Outmaneuver Ipswich to Sign ‘Powerful’ Free Agent, Solving Two Key Issues for Daniel Farke

This time of year, retained lists are published, and many Premier League clubs have parted ways with several players, including Tottenham Hotspur.

Meanwhile, the Leeds squad appears to require recruitment for the right side of the defense and the central backline, among other positions, as the summer transfer window approaches.

At right-back, Connor Roberts has returned to Burnley, and the hope is that next season, Archie Gray will play in the middle of the park rather than as an auxiliary right-back, given his significant potential.

Sam Byram has signed a new one-year deal, and Jamie Shackleton is in talks to extend his contract. However, Byram and Shackleton are realistically being retained as cover at Elland Road for the upcoming campaign.

At center-back, Leeds also need reinforcements. Joe Rodon’s contract at Spurs has been extended by another 12 months, leaving his potential return to The Whites uncertain, while Liam Cooper remains in talks with Leeds.

Leeds needs defensive additions, and one player released by Tottenham can address both defensive concerns:

purs have released 25-year-old defender Japhet Tanganga on a free transfer. The England U21 player departs Spurs after 50 senior appearances, but he had a challenging 2023-24 season.

Tanganga was loaned to Bundesliga side Augsburg last summer but failed to play due to injury. He returned to Spurs in January and was then sent to Millwall, where he impressed and even scored twice.

The Mirror’s journalist Darren Witcoop reports that Millwall wants to sign Tanganga permanently, but Luton and Ipswich are also interested. Leeds should join the race to secure the “powerful” defender Tanganga.

Tanganga would provide cover in two crucial areas and would arrive on a free transfer, which is beneficial given Leeds’ financial constraints. The 49ers have inherited significant debts, necessitating sales this summer.

Signing a free replacement like Tanganga helps address financial issues without compromising quality. At 25, he is a player good enough for the Premier League and available for free.

Ipswich’s promotion to the Premier League might make them favorites, but if Leeds can assure Tanganga of a starting role for the 2024-25 season, The Whites could have a chance of signing him.

Leeds United is also linked with a new playmaker ahead of the summer window, but they might face competition from David Beckham and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.

Beckham’s MLS side has been active in the transfer market, notably signing Messi from PSG in July 2023 and several of his former Barcelona teammates.

Currently, Miami boasts stars like Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez, and Messi, combining them with emerging talents to grow the newly founded MLS outfit.

With experienced players managed by another former Barca man, Gerardo Martino, Beckham’s team focuses on long-term growth by signing young players.

Now, they are targeting Reggiana’s Swiss playmaker Natan Girma, who impressed in Italy’s second tier during the 2023-24 season.

Reports from Italy over the weekend indicated that Leeds and Watford have shown interest in 22-year-old Girma, with talks and inquiries made to his entourage in recent months.

Standing nearly 6ft 3in tall, Girma’s nine goals and assists in 29 games have caught the eye, even in Italy’s second tier. However, this interest follows initial attention from Beckham’s team in the Swiss player.

As Leeds look to strengthen their squad for the next season, they face competition for key targets like Girma, who could significantly enhance their playmaking capabilities.

The potential signings of Tanganga and Girma could address crucial areas in Leeds’ squad, providing much-needed cover and quality. Tanganga offers defensive solidity and versatility, arriving on a free transfer at a time when Leeds need to manage finances carefully. His ability to play both right-back and center-back makes him an attractive option, especially given the financial constraints imposed by the 49ers’ inherited debts.

Girma, on the other hand, represents a promising talent who could boost Leeds’ midfield creativity. Competing with Inter Miami, Leeds must act swiftly to secure Girma’s services. His performance in Italy’s second tier and his physical presence make him a valuable addition.

In summary, Leeds United is navigating a critical period of squad rebuilding. By targeting Tanganga for defensive reinforcement and Girma for midfield creativity, Leeds aims to strengthen key areas while managing financial limitations. These strategic moves are essential as the club prepares for the upcoming season and aims to compete effectively in the Premier League.