Leeds United will have to spend nearly £35million for Rodrigo de Paul’s services this summer, with Udinese holding firm on their asking price.
The Lowdown: Leeds linked with De Paul
The Whites are expected to make new signings in the coming months, as they look to kick on after an impressive season back in the Premier League.
One player who has been constantly linked with a move to Elland Road is De Paul, who excelled for Udinese in 2020/21, enjoying 18 goal contributions in Serie A (nine goals and assists apiece).
The Argentina international has been hailed as a ‘great fit’ for Leeds by football data expert and analyst Dan Altman, but with a huge bid needed to prise him away from his current club.
[freshpress-quiz id=“355458″]
The Latest: Udinese want £35m
According to Goal, Udinese remain ‘adamant’ that any potential suitors for De Paul will have to pay €40m (£34.5m) to get him, with Atletico Madrid wanting a cut-price deal.
Leeds are mentioned in the report, but Atletico are seemingly now considered the front-runners to sign him.
The Verdict: Worth breaking the bank?
De Paul is an outstanding player, so Leeds should continue to do all they can to sign him, even though it would comfortably break their transfer record set by Rodrigo (£27m) last summer.
Much like Bruno Fernandes at Manchester United, the Argentine not only possesses great technical quality, boasting 3.4 dribbles and 2.3 key passes per game, but he is also a fierce competitor, averaging 1.2 tackles per game in the league last season, so perhaps he could transform the club up one more level, just like Fernandes has done at Old Trafford.
De Paul’s competitiveness, quality and end product could be a big upgrade to Leeds’ midfield, improving those around him and perhaps proving to be a talisman at the club – just like he has done at Udinese.
In other news, a pundit has claimed that one player would love to join Leeds this summer. Find out who it is here.
About the Author
