Leeds United have been linked with a move for Sammie Szmodics in recent weeks but the latest reports claim that the West Yorkshire outfit are no longer in the running.
One of the biggest transfer sagas across the summer window so far has been the future of Szmodics and who his next club may be after he topped the Championship goalscoring charts last season at Blackburn Rovers, scoring 27 goals in 44 matches as John Eustace’s men confirmed their survival in the division on the final day away at Leicester City.
While the Lancashire club will be in England’s second tier next season, Szmodics likely won’t be. It has been reported over the past few weeks that several clubs in the Premier League are eyeing up a move for the Republic of Ireland international, including Ipswich Town.
The Tractor Boys had two bids rejected from Blackburn for the prolific forward, including one which was a meagre £6 million. BBC Sport claimed on Friday afternoon that Rovers are becoming increasingly frustrated with Ipswich as negotiations began over two weeks ago and have yet to progress any further.
However, journalist Alan Nixon has provided an update on this transfer saga on his exclusive Patreon, via MOT Leeds News, stating that talks have now moved forward slightly as Ipswich are discussing the possibility of an £8.5 million fee, with Blackburn setting a deadline of July 31 to complete a deal.
Furthermore, Nixon has revealed that Leeds United are likely out of the running as the club won’t be able to compete in a bidding war with their promotion rivals from last season.
The Whites have not spent much money during this summer transfer window so far. Jayden Bogle was brought to Elland Road from Yorkshire rivals Sheffield United for a reported £5 million, while Joe Rodon returned to the club on a permanent basis, although he was part of a £40 million deal which included Archie Gray going in the opposite direction to Tottenham Hotspur.
Given Leeds’ limited budget and the necessity to sell players before the end of the window next month due to ongoing debt repayments, Daniel Farke may not be able to splash the cash as he did in the previous summer market.
Writer’s View
Leeds United acquiring the signature of Szmodics over a club like Ipswich, who are competing in the top-flight of English football, was always going to be unlikely. The club still have a lot of outstanding credit that needs to be paid off before any major signings are made.
Ipswich had a sudden cash windfall after the Suffolk-based side managed to earn an unprecedented promotion to the Premier League back in May, meaning £8.5 million is quite an affordable fee for Kieran McKenna’s team, unlike Leeds.
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