Leeds United are being linked with a new playmaker ahead of the summer window but they could face competition from David Beckham and Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami.
Beckham’s new MLS side have been making waves in the transfer window over the past couple of years, none less so than the signing of Messi from PSG in July 2023 and many of his old Barcelona teammates.
Currently, Miami boast a quartet of stars in the form of Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and then Messi. He has combined those four with emerging talents as he grows the newly-founded MLS outfit.
With the experienced quartet in town, who are managed by another former Barca man in the form of Gerardo Martino, Beckham’s men have been focusing on the long-term growth by signing young players.
Now, they have been targeting a move for a player that has just appeared publicly on Leeds’ radar, in the form of Reggiana’s Swiss playmaker Natan Girma who impressed in Italy’s second tier during 2023-24.
David Beckham’s side also want to sign new Leeds target
Over the weekend, reports from Italy said that Leeds and Watford have been interested in a deal for 22-year-old Girma with talks opened and enquiries made to his entourage over the past few months.
His lofty standing at nearly 6ft 3in and his nine goals and assists in 29 games has caught the eye, even in the second tier of Italian football. But it comes after initial interest from Beckham’s men in the Swiss ace.
Indeed, Italian outlet TMW reported at the start of May that Beckham’s Inter Miami had held talks to sign Girma and it might be that Leeds face competition from a side that boasts Messi and Suarez, for Girma.
Which move would be best for Girma – Leeds, Serie A or the MLS?
If Girma is to choose England then he will surely pick Leeds over Watford even despite the club’s Italian connection through their Pozzo ownership. Monza are a safe and secure mid-table side in Italy’s top tier.
The MLS, and the chance to play alongside the likes of Messi, Busquets and Suarez before the finish their careers would be difficult to turn down for a lot of players. Let alone, one that is playing in Italy’s Serie B.
Girma has to weigh up, does he want to chance his arm in the best league in the world in the Premier League by helping Leeds get there? Does he stay in Italy where it’s working? Or Beckham and Messi?