MOT View: Leeds Boosted by Comments from Defender Linked with Elland Road

In an interview with Transfermarkt on July 1, Gent defender Jordan Torunarigha revealed he has received “exciting” enquiries from interested clubs. Leeds United, Hoffenheim, and Stuttgart have all been linked with the Nigeria international centre-back (Florian Plettenberg, May 22).

Despite his current Belgian side valuing him at around £4.25 million, Torunarigha could reportedly be available to Leeds for as little as £2.1-£2.5 million this summer. In the interview, Torunarigha said, “There are very exciting and specific inquiries that I am dealing with. I feel good, am in top shape and ready for the next step. I still have a year left on my contract and I’m not in a hurry. We’ll see what happens. I’m aiming for the highest possible sporting goals, and that definitely plays a role in my decision.”

Leeds United might not need Jordan Torunarigha transfer

Torunarigha’s interview came just a day before Leeds secured their first incoming transfer of the summer window. Joe Rodon joined the club in a £10 million deal from Tottenham (Graham Smyth, July 1). Rodon was one of the Championship’s best defenders during his loan spell at Elland Road last season, and Daniel Farke may view his signing as sufficient for defensive reinforcements this summer (Nancy Froston, June 26).

The futures of two centre-backs currently set to return to the club also play a role. Diego Llorente is on the verge of a permanent transfer to Real Betis (Estadio Deportivo, July 1), while Maximilian Wober, who is still on Euro 2024 duty with Austria, has stated he will not discuss his Leeds future until after the tournament (Salzburger Nachrichten, June 3).

Should Wober depart on loan or permanently this summer, Farke may look to bolster his left-sided centre-back options. However, if Wober stays and with Pascal Struijk returning to fitness, it is unlikely that Leeds will pursue Torunarigha much longer.