Leeds United should try to sign 'sensational' EFL defender who Jose Mourinho really rates - opinion
08/05/2024 20:45
Leeds United should try to sign an EFL defender who Jose Mourinho really rates this summer transfer window.
Leeds’ Premier League aspirations remain in the balance as they await a Championship play-off campaign.
Daniel Farke’s men have endured a rocky patch and at the moment, transfer business will have to be placed on hold until their destiny is revealed.
Though, if they are to bounce back to the Premier League, they should look at signing a ‘sensational’ EFL centre-back.
- READ MORE: Leeds should revisit deal for £18m player they missed out on last summer if they get promoted
Leeds should try to sign Jacob Greaves
Liam Cooper is expected to depart Elland Road at the end of his contract this summer, so Farke will likely be in the market for a replacement.
Hull City’s Jacob Greaves would be the ideal man, as he’s left-footed too and aged 23, has plenty of time to develop.
He picked up Hull’s Player of the Year award this season and is attracting interest from clubs in the Premier League.
Whilst Mourinho was at Roma, there were reports that he was impressed with Greaves and eyed him as a potential signing.
So for this to have legs, Farke’s men would have to go up via the play-offs to stand any chance of bringing him to West Yorkshire.
- READ MORE: Leeds United set to miss out on ‘incredible’ transfer target who has scored 23 goals this season
Jacob Greaves statistics
Greaves’ statistics make for very impressive reading.
As per FBref, the centre-back ranks in the top four per cent for aerial duels won compared to his positional peers across Europe, which is a remarkable statistic.
Further, he sits in the top four per cent for pass attempted, evincing his willingness to receive the ball and play out from the back – a trait that would fit Farke’s system.
Greaves is expected to demand a fee in the region of £15m and after Hull missed out on playoffs, perhaps they’d be willing to sanction a sale.
