Leeds Hold Talks to Sign Champions League Star as Agreement Emerges
Leeds United reportedly made a play for Eric Dier, prior to his imminent move to AS Monaco in the summer season – with the English centre-back having held conversations with the Elland Road team before to his decision to swap Munich for the Monégasque micronation.
Leeds has only given up 29 goals this season, which would have set a new Championship record for clean sheets if Burnley hadn’t been similarly outstanding. This season, just 15 goals have passed James Trafford. However, Daniel Farke is aware of how crucial additions are in the top division, which is why he apparently chose the former Sporting youngster as an experienced leader.
Report: Leeds ‘Held Talks’ With Dier’s Representatives
The defender could have been playing football in Yorkshire next season
The report from TBR Football indicates that Leeds made enquiries over a prospective transfer for Dier previous to his move to Monaco.
| Eric Dier’s Bundesliga statistics – Bayern squad ranking | ||
|---|---|---|
| Stats | Output | Squad rank |
| Appearances | 18 | =16th |
| Goals | 1 | =13th |
| Clearances Per Game | 3.3 | 1st |
| Blocks Per Game | 0.4 | =1st |
| Interceptions Per Game | 1 | =3rd |
| Match rating | 6.88 | 11th |
Farke gave the Whites their second promotion last week, and if they defeat Plymouth Argyle and win the Championship, he could have them on 100 points by Saturday afternoon. However, they are now focussing on the summer transfer window in an attempt to break the pattern of all three promoted teams dropping right back down.
Dier, meantime, joined Bayern Munich on loan in January, arriving on a six-month loan agreement that saw him join permanently in the summer – but after a year, recent sources have stated that he’s set to depart for Monaco once the transfer market opens. However, TBR Football has said that Dier turned down a potential return to the Premier League, having conducted conversations with Leeds in recent weeks – albeit with Monaco handing him a two-year deal, he’ll be on his way to the Ligue 1 team.
Dier would have been the ideal choice if the Yorkshire team required some Premier League nous and experience, given they presently have Ethan Ampadu, Pascal Struijk, and Joe Rodon as their key defensive options at the back.
Key Statistic:Eric Dier has three goals and 49 caps for England.
Dier scored 12 goals in 274 Premier League games for Tottenham Hotspur, and with 91 more appearances for them across various competitions, it’s obvious what Farke is looking for to lead his team to victory the next season.
In a related development:
Report: Leeds United set eight-figure price tag for youngster as interest ramps up
The long-term project can benefit by keeping the team’s greater prospective stars.
It is crucial that they stay in the top division because the club does not want to sell an Archie Grey for £40 million again.
But one player is drawing a lot of attention, and he may now leave Nottingham Road if the appropriate offer comes up.
Leeds United set price-tag for Mateo Joseph
Mateo Joseph, who has now spent four seasons with the Whites, has demonstrated that, although just being 21, he has club experience.
Farke has kept the young Spaniard in the dark since he departed Espanyol in 2022, and he hasn’t stolen the show.
Despite his little playing experience, Joseph is regarded as a “very high-level” talent, although he hasn’t really demonstrated it throughout his stint thus far.
His future has appeared to be somewhat uncertain. Joseph may feel that he doesn’t want to finish in second place for another season with Joel Piroe as the main man.
This was made clear in January when Joseph nearly paid £8 million to join Real Betis; the Spanish team has since returned.
According to El Pelotazo, Betis are anxious to spark their interest in the summer again but Leeds are only willing to sell Joseph for roughly £11m to £12.75m.
This can be a transfer drama that plays out over the window for a while.
Leeds should be satisfied with £12.75m for Joseph
Not much was expected of the striker right away because he arrived for free in 2022, but now that he is a vital member of the team, Farke may have to think about letting him go if he doesn’t meet Premier League standards. Based on this season, it seems to be the case, and even though Farke has called Joseph “important,” he hasn’t played much, which has negatively affected his stats.
| Joseph’s statistics in the Championship for Leeds (24/25) | |
| Games played | 38 |
| Goals | 3 |
| Assists | 3 |
| Expected goals (xG) | 5.10 |
| Dribble success % | 42.3% |
Although Joseph did not advocate for the Betis move, it is increasingly likely that he will change his mind this summer and make an escape.
The end of Joseph’s tenure in Yorkshire may be imminent as Farke will undoubtedly bring in a new number nine to complete that as well.
