Leeds United are expected to be in the market for a new central defender this summer in order to replace the loss of Joe Rodon, but Georginio Rutter’s old club could beat Leeds to one option.
Rodon is still said to be keen on a move to Elland Road despite The Whites failing to get promotion at the end of the 2024-25 season. But it is not simply about the Welshman’s stance, though it obviously helps.
It is whether Leeds can raise enough funds to comply with Profit & Sustainability Rules but also be able to reinvest some cash. A number of key players will have to be sold over the next few weeks and months.
New central defenders need to be targeted then especially with Liam Cooper’s contract expiring in the next few days and Charlie Cresswell also expected to leave, earning interest from Germany and France.
Leeds targeting Gent and Nigeria defender Jordan Torunarigha
German-born Nigeria international Torunarigha, 26, is about to enter the final 12 months of his contract with Belgian side Gent. He is likely to be available this summer as clubs search for a few bargains.
Leeds have been linked with a move for the former Hertha Berlina defender, who has now clocked up 104 outings for Gent having initially joined the club on loan in January 2022 but his deal ends in June 2025.
That has attracted Leeds and plenty of other clubs to his potential signing. A left-footed centre-back, but one that could allow Ethan Ampadu to move across and would be an exceptional signing for Leeds.
But, a report from Africa Foot delivers an update and it suggests Leeds are set to miss out on a player that is represented by the same agency that looks after Robin Koch, according to TransferMarkt.
Rutter’s old side table bid to sign Leeds target Torunarigha
Bundesliga side Hoffenheim, the club that sold Rutter to Elland Road in January 2023 for a club-record figure, are interested in signing Torunarigha and luring him back to German football come the summer.
So much so that they have tabled a £9m bid to land Torunarigha this week according to a report from Africa Foot. It is unclear how much Gent want, but it is a solid fee for a defender in Belgian football.
It also remains to be seen if Leeds will act on their initial interest in the defender and rival Rutter’s old club with a similar offer. But as things stand, Hoffenheim are leading the chase to sign Torunarigha.