Leeds’ top January aim is a £40 million forward like Ronaldo, while the 49ers are planning an offer.
With four points from their first nine games, Leeds United has a great start to their Premier League campaign. The 49ers Enterprises managed a crowded transfer window at Elland Road, and Anton Stach, their most costly summer acquisition and new defensive midfielder, is already showing to be a wise choice. Stach has been among the top 6% of players for effective defensive plays in Leeds’ first few games.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a free agent who came when his Everton contract expired, is one addition that hasn’t taken off. The former England striker has played two games off the bench, including one during Leeds’ heartbreaking League Cup loss to Sheffield Wednesday on penalties. Calvert-Lewin missed his penalty in the shootout and four other significant opportunities throughout that game.
Leeds began searching for a new striker in January, and after settling on the less expensive options of Lukas Nmecha and Calvert-Lewin, they are now thinking about shelling out a lot of money for a striker with Premier League experience. According to sources, Leeds has named Jean-Philippe Matetain, a striker for Crystal Palace, a key target for their January transfer window pursuit. The move by Leeds to upgrade from Calvert-Lewin to a striker who was described by journalist Rory Smith as “like original Ronaldo” may be brilliant.
According to Caught Offside, Leeds sees Mateta as a long-term player who can help solidify their place back in the Premier League, and Crystal Palace would want £40 million for him, the same amount they asked for Marc Guehi. The 49ers are hoping to test Palace’s determination with a formal bid. According to the article, Leeds would have to contend with rival Premier League teams like Newcastle United and Aston Villa. If their two new strikers perform well, Newcastle might opt to back off the move, but Aston Villa will probably be looking for extra firepower in January as they haven’t scored a Premier League goal this season.
The fact that the team is now unable to persuade Mateta to sign a new, long-term contract fuels more rumours regarding his possible exit. Although Mateta’s contract is set to expire in 2027, the story continues, “talks about a possible extension have stalled, with talks described as ‘unproductive’ amid internal uncertainty at the club.” The recent high-profile departures from Crystal Palace, such as Michael Olise to Bayern Munich, Eberechi Eze to Arsenal, and the probable departure of club captain Guehi to Liverpool in January when his contract expires, could be one contributing factor.
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