Out of nowhere, Leeds United are about to complete their first signing of the summer window in the form of Germany international Lukas Nmecha on a free transfer from Wolfsburg.
Nmecha, 26, is out of contract at Wolfsburg this month after four years with the German club. It comes after joining Wolfsburg in the summer of 2021 from Manchester City, after a previous loan at Wolfsburg.
The seven-time Germany international has also spent time on loan at Middlesbrough, Preston and then Anderlecht where his 21 goals in 42 games with the Belgian side convinced Wolfsburg to move in 2021.
Now, Nmecha is on his way to Leeds – becoming the club’s first signing of the summer window. The news came completely out of the blue on Sunday afternoon, first claimed by The Evening Post’s Graham Smyth.
Photo by Maja Hitij/Getty ImagesLukas Nmecha has landed in England ahead of Leeds move
Smyth initially reported the news on social media before publishing a report in more detail on the YEP’s website. It states that Nmecha has now landed in England ahead of rubber-stamping a move to Leeds.
It is not the first time since relegation in 2023 that Leeds have announced a new signing without any prior warning or rumour. Last summer, the loan addition of Joe Rothwell from Bournemouth came suddenly.
Nmecha is now set to travel to Yorkshire and to Thorp Arch and Elland Road where he will undergo a medical and put pen to paper, before being confirmed as a new Leeds player – the first of the summer.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesWhat Leeds are planning after the addition of Lukas Nmecha
Obviously, Nmecha is not the first striker to be touted with a move to Leeds. But certainly, he is the first one where a reputable site has been able to confirm that he is joining Leeds and will be a Leeds player.
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Leeds currently have Joel Piroe, Mateo Joseph and Patrick Bamford but according to Smyth on the YEP’s website, Leeds are still planning to bring in a new striker. Given Nmecha is on a free, it could be a big one.
It might be that Nmecha has been brought in as cover, offering Leeds a bit of a plan B option given his height and versatility. Leeds will then go after a big-name striker that costs a hefty fee, moving forward.
Piroe is expected to remain as an option, but for Joseph and Bamford – who have both been linked with moves away – the writing could be on the wall. Betis are closing in on a move to land Joseph this summer.