This summer will be crucial for Leeds United in their ambition to maintain their Premier League status, building on the outstanding productions that the campaign has been run.
Daniel Fark’s team won the championship title in 2024/25, scoring an astounding 100 points, finishing by goal difference over rival Burnley, both teams returning to the top flight.
But all the last six teams to achieve such feats are struggling with immediate returns to tier 2, and the whites hope to defy that trend next season.
If they are successful in their quest, the addition is important and they need to hand over the tools to strengthen his team and have the best possible chance to survive the drop.
With the summer windows rapidly approaching, work has already begun behind the scenes to identify the numerous talents that can improve the team on Elland Road.
Latest on Leeds hunting for a new signature this summer
All areas of the pitch are set up to invest in Leeds this summer, and depth and quality are needed for the club to establish themselves on top flights next year.
Lennon Miller, Casper Druberg and James McAtee are all touted for the switch to Yorkshire, but it’s not yet agreed, but that could all change during the offseason.
However, according to Alan Nixon, Southampton’s Mateus Fernandez has been on the radar, with new names being mentioned over the past few days.
His report alleges that white people are considering the moves of the 20-year-old talent, valued at £30 million since the saint was relegated to the championship.
He also says that although the hierarchy sees him as a classy playmaker capable of providing additional quality on the side, he could face competition with Crystal Palace and Aston Villa for his signature.
Why does Fernandez have a better signature than Ducole?
For the past few days, Leeds has also been touted as a potential destination for departing Everton star Abduey Ducole.
After spending the last five seasons at Goodison Park, Marian is able to stay in the Premier League with Whites, offering an experienced option that could be a relegation fight.
At 32, the midfielder has been registered with 300 shy shy shy on top flights in England, registering 36 goals along the way, and having the tools to add to the offensive division.
However, if Farke is targeting the 10th position option on Elland Road, there is no denying that Fernandez is a better option for the club.
Comparing each of the statistics from the current league campaigns, Portuguese youth has significantly improved Doucure in many key areas, showing the great addition he has in Yorkshire.
Labeled as “exceptional” by analyst Ben Matinson, Fernandez may have etched in the same number of goals and assists, but he ended up passing additional target threats to whites, resulting in a higher shot-on-target rate.
His underlying statistics are just as impressive, completing a more progressive pass, increasing the pass to the final third, and then passing Fark an additional dimension of creativity.
How Fernandez compares to PL’s Doucure (2024/25) | ||
|---|---|---|
Statistics (per 90) | Fernandez | Doucure |
The game has been played | 36 | 32 |
Goals and Assistance | 5 | 5 |
Shot-on target accuracy | 33% | 29% |
Progressive Pass | 4.5 | 2.9 |
Progressive Carry | 2.5 | 1.4 |
Move to the last third | 3.1 | 1.5 |
Take-on is complete | 1.6 | 0.8 |
I’ll bring it to the last third | 2.3 | 0.9 |
Statistics via FBREF | ||
The Saints star also completed more take-ons, creating more carry in the penalty area, allowing other attackers around him to bolster their tally.
£30 million may be a big sum for a player who has been kicked out of the Premier League, but he shows that he has the skills to thrive if given another opportunity on top flights.
His soft age could be a key cog in future success at Elland Road this summer, allowing for a huge room for potentially future improvements if he made a big money switch this summer.
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