Leeds United and Brentford are now battling to sign an “amazing” midfielder, and both clubs want to get a deal done before the World Cup gets underway.
Leeds looking to strengthen in summer after strong end to season
It has been a remarkable end to the season for Leeds, who will finish well clear of the relegation zone, having gone the last eight games unbeaten in the Premier League, most recently bagging a dramatic late winner to defeat Brighton & Hove Albion at Elland Road.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the hero once again, with the centre-forward bagging his fourth goal in the last five games, taking his tally for the season to 15 in all competitions.
As such, there are encouraging signs that Daniel Farke‘s side are capable of kicking on next season, and the manager has called for the 49ers to match his ambition in the transfer market.
“I know what is possible here at Leeds United and how much I believe in this club, but it is important we are all on the same page because I don’t run the club. I run the squad and it is important we talk.
“Can we keep our best players, can we get new players? One thing is for sure, I will just lead a project when I am in charge and we have to speak about it like we did three years ago, very honestly, because just to survive for one more year makes no sense.”
According to journalist Alan Nixon, Leeds are now keen on signing Lyon midfielder Tanner Tessmann, who has earned 14 caps for the USMNT, but there is set to be competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Brentford also keen.
Both sides are hoping to get a deal over the line before the World Cup gets underway next month, but that may not be possible, as Tessmann is prepared to wait until after the tournament concludes before making any decisions about his future.
The American has been an important player for Lyon throughout the campaign, having seemingly impressed manager Paulo Fonseca, making 41 appearances in all competitions, and he has predominantly featured in a defensive midfield role.
USMNT manager Mauricio Pochettino is also an admirer, saying after a 4-2 victory against Jamaica in November 2024: “Tess today was fantastic. If you say to me I need to put a note from 0-to-10, it’s 9, 8, 9, you know. He played a fantastic game.
“I think it was amazing in the way he was in two phases, in defensive and offensive, with the ball and without the ball. That’s what we expect. He’s young, but very good talent, I hope he can play more in Lyon.”
As such, Tessmann could be a solid signing for Leeds, but Brentford’s interest could pose a problem, with the Bees knocking on the door of European qualification.
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