Leeds have been handed fresh boost in pursuit of "extraordinary" 26 y/o

A positive update has emerged regarding Leeds United completing the signing of an “extraordinary” new defender in the summer transfer window.

The Whites are expected to sign an upgrade on Illan Meslier between the sticks this summer, with Chelsea goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic mentioned as a possible option – Wolves stopper Sam Johnstone is seen as an alternative target.

Another goalkeeper who has been linked with a switch to Leeds is Liverpool ace Caoimhin Kelleher, with an enquiry reportedly made about his availability. With Giorgi Mamardashvili joining the Reds from Valencia, now looks like the right time for him to depart.

Indeed, 49ers Enterprises want to strengthen the team’s spine this summer, with reports suggesting Leeds will happily spend around £30m each on a new goalkeeper, centre-back, centre-midfielder and striker.

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Kalvin Phillips was once a hero at Elland Hero, arguably standing out as the best player at the club, and a return to the Whites has been rumoured recently. The 29-year-old has had a tough time of things in recent years and may feel that going back to his former club could be best for him ahead of next season.

Manor Solomon is of course a top target for Leeds, as Daniel Farke looks to sign him on a permanent basis after an impressive season on loan at the club from Tottenham. He scored 10 goals and registered 12 assists in the Championship in 2024/25.

According to The Sunday Mirror [via MOT Leeds News], Leeds’ pursuit of Marseille centre-back Leonardo Balerdi has received a boost ahead of the summer window.

The report backs that the Whites are set for a “major” summer of spending and the 26-year-old defender has now refused to rule out an exit at the end of the season: “I’m happy in Marseille and I’d like to bring something back here, so I have to focus to the last match. After that, I don’t know. I’d like the team to be in the Champions League, then I’ll ask myself about the future.”

Balerdi would be a fantastic signing for Leeds in the summer, boosting their defensive options significantly ahead of what promises to be a tough season back in the Premier League.

The Marseille captain has been a rock-solid presence at the heart of his team’s defence this season, making 26 appearances in Ligue 1 and averaging 2.7 clearances per game. He has also completed 94% of his passes, showing that he is strong in possession.

Manager Roberto De Zerbi has heaped praise on him: “Balerdi? I hope that the big European teams don’t realise that he exists. I say every night before going to sleep that I am happy that he is going under the radar of the big teams. He is an extraordinary player.”

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Balerdi is also a six-cap Argentina international, which is no mean feat considering they are World Cup winners with the likes of Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez in their team, and Leeds should do all they can to sign him.