Leeds open negotiations to sign £18m forward who’s a “joy to watch”

Leeds United have now opened talks about a summer deal for a forward, who is now attracting widespread interest from Premier League clubs.

Leeds set for “disciplined” summer transfer window

Despite securing Premier League football for another season, after a very strong end to the campaign, it appears as though Daniel Farke will not be blessed with a great deal of funds in the upcoming transfer window, which is set to officially open on June 15th.

Chairman Paraag Marathe has suggested Leeds will need to adopt a pragmatic approach, in light of the need to adhere to financial rules, saying: “This summer, instead of Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), the Squad Cost Ratio (SCR) will impact our transfer market approach.

“As our accounts reflect, we spent every penny possible, as promised, to earn promotion and keep the club in the Premier League. Our approach to the transfer market will once again be strategic and disciplined to comply with regulations while striving further to improve, and players will both arrive and depart as a result.”

However, some ambitious targets have already been identified, including former winger Crysencio Summerville, with a shock move for the Dutchman being explored, following West Ham United’s relegation from the Premier League.

Summerville’s arrival would perhaps be divisive, given the way in which he departed back in 2024, and an alternative option has now entered the frame.

Leeds open talks to sign World Cup-bound forward

According to a report from The Daily Mail, Leeds have now opened discussions with the agents of Kerim Alajbegovic, who is poised to travel to the World Cup with Bosnia & Herzegovina this summer.

The Whites have already met Alajbegovic’s representatives, but the 49ers are facing stiff competition for his signature, with Premier League rivals Arsenal and Aston Villa taking the same course of action, alongside Serie A giants Napoli, AS Roma and Inter Milan.

The 18-year-old currently plays for Bayer Leverkusen, and some of the interested parties are planning to offer the Bundesliga side a fee of £18m, although it is unclear whether that would be enough to tempt them into a sale.

The 18-year-old spent the 2025-26 campaign with Austrian Bundesliga side RB Salzburg, and he enjoyed an impressive season, picking up 13 goals and four assists in 44 matches across all competitions.

Scout Jacek Kulig was left very impressed by the teenager’s performances too, describing him as “pure quality” and a “joy to watch” last August, and he is versatile enough to play on both wings and in the number 10 role.

That said, while Alajbegovic has been showing some very promising signs in Austria, he is yet to prove himself in one of Europe’s major leagues, and it may be a savvy move for Leeds to sign a more experienced forward alongside the youngster.

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