6 Players Leeds Could Sell to Fund Jorgen Strand Larsen Transfer
Leeds United's pursuit of Norwegian striker Jorgen Strand Larsen has hit a snag, with Wolves rejecting their bid. The fee, rumored to be around £40 million, would break Leeds' transfer record and stretch their Premier League PSR rules. But could they generate funds to make this ambitious move feasible? Here's a look at six players Leeds could potentially sell to balance the books.
- Joel Piroe
The obvious choice. Piroe, the Championship's top scorer when Leeds secured promotion with 100 points last season, is a proven talent. His value is undeniable, and any second-tier club seeking a promotion boost might be willing to pay a premium. However, Piroe's camp hints at his willingness to stay and fight for a place, especially if he's pushed down the pecking order. The prospect of playing in the Champions League for his boyhood club, PSV, could be a strong incentive for him to leave.
- Ao Tanaka
This move would be a strategic one. Tanaka, a fan favorite and standout player during Leeds' promotion charge, has been surprisingly overlooked by Daniel Farke. With the manager's shift towards a 3-5-2 formation, Tanaka's role has become less clear. The presence of Ethan Ampadu, Anton Stach, and Sean Longstaff, who is returning from injury, further complicates his position. Selling Tanaka could free up funds and allow Leeds to adapt to their new gameplan, especially with the World Cup approaching.
- Wilfried Gnonto
Gnonto, the youngest player in Leeds' squad at 22, is a valuable asset. Despite his potential, he has only made four Premier League starts and played fewer than 500 minutes. With the opportunity to cash in on a highly-rated young player who has represented Italy, Leeds might consider selling him for a healthy profit. The question remains whether keeping him for occasional cameos is worth it.
- Illan Meslier
Meslier, once considered the successor to Hugo Lloris for France, has seen his stock fall since a promising first season in the Premier League. After a series of high-profile blunders, he lost his starting spot and has played zero minutes this season. As a free agent in the summer, Meslier might be willing to wait it out. However, selling him in January, even for a minor fee, could provide much-needed relief for Leeds.
- Mateo Joseph
Joseph, a Spain Under-21 international, hasn't ruled out a return to his parent club. However, with Leeds' interest in Strand Larsen, it's unlikely. Joseph has struggled for goals this season, and finding a buyer might be challenging. The best-case scenario is that he finds his form and becomes a key player for the rest of the campaign, potentially leading to an early summer sale.
- Largie Ramazani
Ramazani, a La Liga loanee, has faced limited playing time at Valencia. A January recall is a possibility, as Leeds might send him elsewhere for the remainder of the season. With Jack Harrison's loan to Fiorentina, Ramazani's position as a winger or wingback is uncertain. It's unlikely he'll remain with Leeds next season, and a permanent move in January could be beneficial, despite the challenge of finding a buyer.
