{"id":1067260,"date":"2026-07-04T04:10:21","date_gmt":"2026-07-04T04:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1067260\/"},"modified":"2026-07-04T04:10:21","modified_gmt":"2026-07-04T04:10:21","slug":"3-shea-charles-transfer-alternatives-leeds-united-must-consider","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/1067260\/","title":{"rendered":"3 Shea Charles transfer alternatives Leeds United must consider"},"content":{"rendered":"

Leeds United<\/a> have been rejected for a third time in our pursuit of Shea Charles, and it leads the club to surely consider alternative signings.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Whites are keen on signing Shea Charles<\/a> this summer from Southampton, but are facing a stubborn selling party at the moment.<\/p>\n

First a \u00a320million offer<\/a> was knocked back, before a reported \u00a325million offer<\/a> was rejected. Most recently, \u00a323million plus add-ons was tabled<\/a> \u2013 which has been refuted by a couple of reporters as actually being somewhat lower \u2013 and was also turned down by the Saints.<\/p>\n

It leaves Leeds having to either start acting seriously on Charles and putting down a bid that we know will be accepted, or search for alternatives.<\/p>\n

I\u2019d be content either way. There\u2019s every chance Charles doubles a \u00a330million valuation in 12-24 months, but it\u2019s a lot of money right now.<\/p>\n

So, let\u2019s look at three alternatives that Leeds could consider as a midfield investment instead of Charles\u2026<\/p>\n

Ngal\u2019Ayel Mukau \u2013 Lille<\/p>\n

As England fans felt frustrated watching us need Harry Kane\u2019s brilliance to fire us past DR Congo, part of their stubborn resistance was midfielder Ngal\u2019Ayel Mukau.<\/p>\n

The 21-year-old from Lille would add a different profile to Leeds\u2019 midfield akin to Charles in the sense that he\u2019s another that\u2019s confident carrying the ball over large distances.<\/p>\n

Not only that, but Mukau is a left-footer that is happy playing deeper as well as even as high as a right-winger. That versatility would suit Leeds a lot in games where we need to dig deep.<\/p>\n

If we\u2019re not going for Charles and still want another signing, we need an athletic, tall midfielder as an alternative to him. The 6ft2in Mukau could be just that sort of option.<\/p>\n

Mandela Keita \u2013 Parma<\/p>\n

My second shout is a touch older at 24. But, Mandela Keita has impressed during his time with Parma in the Serie A, after previously developing in Belgium.<\/p>\n

A tad smaller too at 5ft11, Keita would perhaps be a more traditional defensive midfield option. Of course, that would definitely be welcome at Elland Road. A key reason for Leeds wanting Charles is his ability to cover Ethan Ampadu.<\/p>\n

Like Ampadu, Keita is incredibly strong in duels and would give Leeds serious support without the ball. He\u2019s also tidy enough in possession to give Leeds what we\u2019d need in covering our skipper.<\/p>\n

Given he\u2019s a bit older, this might be a more cost-effective deal for Leeds to pursue than Charles or others.<\/p>\n

Arthur Atta \u2013 Udinese<\/p>\n

Udinese star Arthur Atta could be very similar profile to Charles in the Leeds midfield.<\/p>\n

Standing at 6ft2in like Charles, he\u2019s another that can carry the ball incredibly well from deep and in Leeds\u2019 high-pressing, transitional play under Daniel Farke. That sort of asset is vital.<\/p>\n

Fulham were knocked back in January to sign the 23-year-old Frenchman, offering \u20ac20million (\u00a317million)<\/a> to the Serie A club.<\/p>\n

Atta doesn\u2019t appear as effective in duels as Ampadu or potentially even Charles. But, he may provide more of an attacking bite to Leeds\u2019 midfield after six goals and three assists last season.<\/p>\n

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