According to a recent update this week, Leeds United is among the clubs eager to finalize an agreement to recruit an intriguing young defender in January.

Leeds could lose three centre-backs in 2024

As it stands, the Whites’ natural center-back choices are Pascal Struijk, Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell, and Joe Rodon. However, if rumors are to be believed, three of those players may be leaving at some point in the upcoming season.

Rodon is expected to return to Tottenham Hotspur at the end of the season, having only signed a season-long loan. Strijp is expected to follow him, joining Ange Postecoglou’s squad along with Cresswell, who has only made one league start so far this season (WhoScored – Cresswell statistics).

In the event that any or all of the three depart, Daniel Farke will presumably have to look elsewhere for replacements. It seems that he has already set his sights on Nathaniel Adjei of Hammarby, who has made 30 senior appearances at The Stockholmsarenan thus far (Transfermarkt – Adjei statistics).

In addition to Championship rivals Sunderland, Middlesbrough, and Preston North End, the Ghanaian international has already piqued the curiosity of Celtic and Glasgow Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. However, the 21-year-old now has a sixth admirer at Elland Road.

Leeds plotting swoop for Nathaniel Adjei

Leeds United News (via Fotboll Direkt) reports that the team is thinking about making a bid for Adjei. The Yorkshire team is “among a host of clubs interested” in signing the defender, and it’s been said that Hammarby needs to get about £3.5 million to approve the transfer of their highly valued player.

This next weekend marks the end of Farke’s current season, and because the new term won’t begin until the new year, prospective suitors are hoping to take advantage of the lull in domestic play.

Marti Cifuentes, the previous manager of Hammarby, claims that Adjei has all the makings of a “top-notch” center back. Given his immense potential, it’s no wonder that so many teams are vying for his signature before January arrives.

With his height at the center of his backline at six feet one, Teshie’s native offers a great physical presence. In addition to his typical position, he can play as a right-back with adaptability. He would be a very helpful option for the manager to have in the building should any unforeseen injuries occur, as has frequently been the case in the Leeds defense in recent years, or should he ever want to change his formation or team selection. This is because he can provide cover in a role other than his own.

Adjei would be a great addition for the team’s long-term future in LS11, but it’s unclear if Farke would feel comfortable throwing him in at the deep end given his lack of senior experience.