Leeds United are interested in signing 27-year-old Vizela midfielder Samu on a free transfer in the summer window, according to Record, but they will face some competition from their Championship rivals Southampton.
Samu, who has featured 25 times this season in the Liga Portugal, is out of contract at his current club in June with Southampton and Leeds both registering an interest in signing him. The Portuguese player is an attacking midfielder and has scored four goals so far this campaign.
The former Porto youth player is yet to sign a new deal at Vizela, and with the summer transfer window approaching thick and fast, there are no current signs of that situation being resolved.
Promotion is expected to be key for both clubs in the race for the club captain, with Leeds currently in a better position in that regard as they sit second in the Championship table, a point behind leaders Ipswich. Southampton are fourth, but are still in contention for a play-off place.
The 27-year-old’s last contribution to his side if he does leave the club may be to help them avoid relegation, with Vizela currently 17th in Liga Portugal, five points from safety. He has made over 140 appearances for the team and played for the likes of Boavista and Fafe in the past.
In the report, the player is the subject of interest from both clubs due to his running ability, averaging between 12 and 13km per game. Both the English teams have identified him as someone who could slot right into the physical demands of English football.
The midfielder has a current market value of £857k according to Transfermarkt. Neither team have begun talks as of yet, with the player focused on the end of the season with his current side.
Writer’s View
Samu is a talented player and someone both clubs would benefit from signing, especially on a free transfer. His running stats are of course commendable, which is vital in the Premier League or the Championship. He is also very creative on the ball too, creating five big chances in the league this season for his team. Additionally, the midfielder has also created the most overall chances, with 48, averaging two chances created per 90.
Both clubs will know the importance of adding strength in depth upon arrival back into the Premier League, and to sign a player like this on a free transfer is a deal that cannot be ignored or passed up on.
