Leeds United have been associated with several Celtic players so far this summer. However, the Whites appear to have other candidates in mind at the moment.
Leeds United have prepared for a highly active summer transfer window following their promotion to the Premier League, and their recent acquisition of Lukas Nmecha indicates that Daniel Farke’s team is ready to conduct business early.
On July 1st, Nmecha will join Leeds United as a free agent, becoming the club’s initial signing of the summer. That recent update was followed by additional news regarding Jaka Bijol.
The Udinese player has been strongly connected with a move to Elland Road in recent weeks, before Fabrizio Romano confirmed on Monday that Leeds United have finalized a deal to sign Bijol from the Italian club, valued at around £19million.
That’ll be two acquisitions for the Whites before we even reach July. It’s undoubtedly a promising beginning, but there remains much to accomplish for Farke in the market. Though one player who doesn’t seem likely to join Leeds is Cameron Carter-Vickers.
Celtic’s transfer stance on Cameron Carter-Vickers revealed:
Carter-Vickers has certainly gained extensive experience. However, the USMNT defender has settled with Celtic since joining on a permanent deal in 2022, and there’s now speculation about a possible move this summer. Recent reports hinted that Leeds United are interested in signing Carter-Vickers this summer. But that’s not accurate.
Daily Record now report that ‘there has been no contact made’ with Celtic regarding a deal for Carter-Vickers so far this summer, ‘and that manager Brendan Rodgers is unaware of any moves’ for the 27-year-old former Spurs man.
Notably, Daily Record add that the ‘Celtic board are also believed to be somewhat bemused by reports of an imminent bidding war for Carter-Vickers’, who was reportedly of interest to both Leeds United and Sunderland.
Where will Daniel Farke strengthen next after the Jaka Bijol signing?
Securing a striker was crucial for Farke. And the need for a new forward became even more urgent when it was reported that Mateo Joseph could leave Leeds United this summer, so bringing in Nmecha provides Farke some leeway there.
Similarly, a new centre-back was essential, and with Bijol appearing to be a standout signing, expect Farke to target another role next; likely in central midfield or in goal.
Leeds United seem poised to sell Illan Meslier this summer. But whether he departs or not, a new no.1 is urgently required. And Leeds are in desperate need of a new central midfielder, with many being linked in the last few weeks.
There’s also the ongoing Manor Solomon interest. Leeds United are eager to re-sign Solomon on a permanent deal, and that one seems as though it could be confirmed any day now, unless another team manages to outpace Leeds to the pursuit.