Ahead of Sunday’s Play-Off final, Leeds United are yet to know which league they will be in next season. However, there are early signs of key summer business.
The sought-after signing in question, is KAA Gent’s Jordan Torunarigha. The Nigerian defender’s contract is set to expire next year, and the Yorkshire side could snap him up for around £2.5 million. This is reported by Florian Plattenberg from Sky Germany.
🚨🆕 News Torunarigha | One year left on his contract after a top season of the 26 y/o center-back from Gent!
➡️ Transfer in summer possible with a price valuation of around €2.5-3m.
Stuttgart was interested in the new Nigerian international in summer to replace Zagadou with… pic.twitter.com/I5cnskDxcD
— Florian Plettenberg (@Plettigoal) May 22, 2024
The 26-year-old is a Hertha Berlin academy product and joined Gent in July 2022, featuring 87 times since for the four-time Belgium Cup winners. However, potential suitors in the Bundesliga are also lining up Torunarigha for a return to German football, with Stuttgart and Hoffenheim both showing interest.
Daniel Farke’s Leeds side still have to remain focused on Sunday’s final at Wembley Stadium, before too much speculation surrounding next season catches up with them. The former Norwich City boss will be keeping tabs on the Gent star, and will undoubtedly pursue his signature regardless of whether they reach the top-flight or spend another season just below.
Worryingly for the Whites, should they fail to gain promotion to the Premier League this weekend, they may need a summer overhaul of a squad with equally uncertain futures. Increasing interest has loomed over Leeds’ key stars like Crysencio Summerville, Archie Gray, and Illan Meslier. But, the most concerning question marks surround the defence.
With a retained list still clearly in the works at Elland Road, club captain Liam Cooper has no time left on his current contract and the 32-year-old’s future seems to be away from the Yorkshire side. Welshman Joe Rodon has enjoyed a successful campaign with Leeds this season – on loan from Tottenham Hotspur – but a sizeable fee could outweigh their desire to retain his services.
Of course the Championship side still have the likes of Charlie Cresswell, Ethan Ampadu, and Pascal Struijk on their books, with others returning from loan. But this lack of depth in defence may be a problem if they reach the top-flight with a win against the Saints. Torunarigha’s interest from United will likely be mounting for that exact reason.
Writer’s View
With a great combination of pace and aerial ability, the Nigerian centre-back is a versatile option throughout the backline and could be ideal for Farke’s side next season. The 26-year-old is proven quality in two of Europe’s top leagues, in Belgium and Germany respectively.
A bolstering of the Whites’ backline will be vital in both the Championship or the top-flight next season, and signing the former Germany youth player could show a real display of intent by Farke. Torunarigha has done more than enough to deserve a chance in the ranks of England.
