Leeds United may witness the signing of a £15.5m talent by Chelsea after failing to secure him last year.
Leeds United made a significant investment in a new left-back in 2021 by acquiring Junior Firpo from Barcelona. While this was considered an important signing, Firpo’s performance in the Premier League varied.
As a result, Leeds were rumored to be considering another left-back addition in January 2023 under Jesse Marsch’s management to bolster the squad. Max Wober eventually joined to provide versatility as both a left-back and center-back.
Although Leeds explored various options, one player they pursued in January 2023, Milos Kerkez from AZ Alkmaar, now appears to have slipped through their fingers. Reports suggested that Leeds, along with Bournemouth and Leicester City, were interested in signing Kerkez, with a £15 million fee being requested.
However, Leeds did not finalize the deal, and their subsequent relegation to the Championship removed them from contention for Kerkez. Instead, he joined Bournemouth for £15.5 million and has since impressed.
According to journalist Ben Jacobs, both Chelsea and Manchester United are now interested in signing Kerkez, considering him a promising left-back prospect for the future, despite being only 20 years old.
Kerkez’s potential move to a top club this summer could be disappointing for Leeds, as missing out on such a talented player is always regrettable. It serves as a reminder for Leeds to continue scouting and identifying similar talents, especially if they secure promotion back to the Premier League.
