Leeds United approach Napoli to sign Alessandro Zanoli as transfer news drops at Elland Road
Alessandro Zanoli, a defender for Napoli, was reportedly courted by Leeds United during the January transfer window, according to Mail Plus.
The 23-year-old was “keen to join” the Whites, according to Simon Jones’ Transfer Confidential on January 29. However, the Whites have since lost out on him because he has gone on loan to Salernitana.
Daniel Farke is trying, but hasn’t been successful, to bolster his squad following the exits of Luke Ayling and Djed Spence, and the right-back is the most recent target linked to a transfer to Elland Road.
According to Jones, they have inquired about Connor Roberts of Burnley and Calvin Ramsay of Liverpool, among other players, this month.
More disappointment
He’s no longer on the Leeds United transfer list, regardless of whether he merely thought a move into Serie A would be a better choice or anything happened that made the Leeds United recruitment department doubt a move.
Although 17-year-old midfielder Archie Grey is the usual starter at right-back, Phil Hay has indicated that a major challenge in attracting players this month is persuading them that they will play once they arrive. This seems to be the case at right-back.
Overall, the academy product has looked excellent, and Farke is obviously keen to use him wherever feasible. However, it will be challenging to use him in his preferred central midfield position given the recent success of Ilia Gruev, Glen Kamara, and Ethan Ampadu.
In light of the fact that the Whites have been making efforts to sign a right-back indicates that they are not very satisfied with the present lineup, it will be dangerous for the promotion push if the window closes without a new player entering.
It should work out if Grey maintains his level of fitness on one side and Junior Firpo and Sam Byram together can prevent frequent layoffs on the other, but that would take a lot of luck considering that all three have been out of commission recently.
In a related article:
Leeds defender Leo Hjelde set to join Sunderland
Leeds United defender Leo Hjelde is all set to move to Sunderland before the end of this month.
The Whites and Sunderland have reached a deal for the full-back’s sale, with an estimated cost of £2 million, according to transfer analyst Fabrizio Romano.
The Toffees have approved the deal, and he has also agreed to the terms of the club’s proposed contract. This month, Hjelde seems to be heading out of the club, joining Luke Ayling and Djed Spence who have already left.
Leeds will be content to keep the transfer fee for the 20-year-old as he lost manager Daniel Farke’s favour. The teenage defender is anticipated to finish the transfer in the upcoming 48 hours, according to Adam Pope.
Not a big surprise
For many, Hjelde’s resignation won’t be a major surprise. Although there is no denying that he is a bright young talent, there is a perception that he isn’t ready for the senior squad.
Although he appeared to have talent, after joining from Celtic in August 2021, he has not been able to make a name for himself in the starting lineup. He has played primarily for the U21 and U-23 teams, and he has already made eight senior Whites appearances.
Although there is always a chance that the young guy may develop into a world-class player in the future, the Leeds squad now has very little space for him to progress and get better.
Farke wasn’t very impressed with him during his loan stint at Rotherham United the previous season. Farke called upon young Archie Grey to fill in for Hjlede during a period when the Whites’ full-back positions were lacking in depth.
This is a blatant sign that the management does not have the player in mind, and it is now only a matter of time till he leaves.
