Leeds United could be set to hand arch-rivals Manchester United an unexpected boost in the transfer market as a new target has emerged on the Whites’ radar.
Daniel Farke will be pleased with the current level of his Leeds United squad after they ended their pre-season campaign unbeaten with a 1-1 draw against AC Milan.
New signing Anton Stach pulled the strings for Leeds with a strong display in midfield as Leeds held their own against another top-class opponent to breathe new optimism into their Premier League survival hopes.
Leeds remain active in the transfer market, with reports linking them with a move for Nico Gonzalez of Juventus as Farke looks to add more firepower in attack.
If the Whites could pull off this transfer coup, TBR Football understand that it could also hand a surprise boost to Manchester United, who are looking to balance the books following the signing of Benjamin Sesko.
Photo by Daniele Badolato – Juventus FC/Juventus FC via Getty ImagesLeeds United can help solve Man Utd’s transfer problem
Having missed out on a deal for Brazilian star Igor Paixao, Leeds have turned their attention to Juventus winger Nico Gonzalez as they continue their hunt for a left winger.
However, this could also help Manchester United to offload wantaway winger Jadon Sancho, who has failed to show his best form at Old Trafford since joining the club in 2021.
TBR Football’s Chief Correspondent, Graeme Bailey, understands that Juventus remain interested in a move for Sancho, with Man Utd looking to offload the England international, who has spent time on loan at Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund in recent years.
A deal to offload Gonzalez would help to create space in the Juventus squad and provide a welcome boost to their finances as they look to secure a deal to sign Sancho.
This could be the second instance of Leeds helping the Red Devils in the market, with their pursuit of Inter Milan’s Mehdi Taremi potentially opening the door for Rasmus Hojlund to depart.
Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty ImagesHow did Jadon Sancho compare to Nico Gonzalez last season?
With Gonzalez’s departure from Juventus set to allow their move for Sancho to progress, a comparison of the two players shows what the England international could add to their squad.
According to the data from FotMob, Sancho played 31 games in the Premier League with Chelsea, contributing three goals and four assists. He also created 38 chances, made 45 successful dribbles and had 130 touches in the opposition box.
By contrast, although Gonzalez scored three goals and created two more, his overall output was lower. In his 26 Serie A appearances, Gonzalez created just 19 chances, made 17 successful dribbles and had 68 touches in the opposition box.
As a result, this move could suit all parties. Leeds would sign an experienced international with a proven pedigree, while Man Utd would move on one of their struggling stars.