“I am told” – Leeds United’s chances of signing Southampton star revealed
Leeds United will reportedly find it “tough” to sign Kyle Walker-Peters next season, with the Southampton full-back generating hefty interest across the Premier League and overseas.
The Whites are beginning preparations to bulk up the quality and quantity of the squad following their promotion to the Premier League, with Daniel Farke’s men securing the title on the final day at Plymouth Argyle in dramatic fashion.
Savoring and enjoying the celebrations that come with promotion, Leeds know that they will have to have an impeccable transfer window to survive in the top-flight, with each of the last six promoted sides suffering immediate relegations over the last two seasons.
With the gulf widening between the Championship and established top-flight sides, Leeds will have to pluck out a number of sensational purchases if they are to build on what has already begun under Farke.
One player they have been linked with is Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters, who is set to depart Southampton as a free agent after their relegation back down to the second tier was confirmed.
While Leeds think they hold the upper hand in the race by becoming a Premier League outfit again, there is still believed to be some concerns over a deal, with multiple English rivals and clubs from abroad touted to make a move this summer.
Leeds United face “tough” challenge to recruit Kyle Walker-Peters
As per Leeds United news, transfer expert Graeme Bailey has shared his understanding of Leeds’ pursuit of Kyle Walker-Peters, revealing that such significant interest in the 28-year-old’s services is making it difficult for the Whites to agree a deal.
Bailey said: “I am told no decision just yet. Leeds have had contact, but as we know they’re one of many clubs to be in touch with him. West Ham, Spurs, Everton… there’s loads. And some foreign clubs are lurking too. Can Leeds get him? Of course. But from what I can make out it’s going to be tough.”
Walker-Peters has been an ever-present in the Saints team that narrowly avoided equalling Derby County’s record-low points tally in the Premier League, featuring 33 times and producing two assists.
| Kyle Walker-Peters at Southampton (via Transfermarkt) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| 202 | 7 | 12 |
In the report, Leeds are also on the hunt for another right-sided full-back, with the Whites linked with a move for Panathinaikos defender Georgios Vagiannidis. However, the Greek is being monitored by other Premier League sides too in a similar situation to Walker-Peters, and will be tough to tempt over to Yorkshire.
Leeds United may fall short in Kyle Walker-Peters race
A former England international, Kyle Walker-Peters is expected to make a return to one of the top leagues around Europe, and the concern will be whether Leeds are an attractive enough proposition over more established top-flight sides.
A fellow newly-promoted side, Walker-Peters will be desperate to avoid a season like he did at Southampton, moving to a side that will offer him regular gametime but have assurances over not slipping into relegation battles.
Despite Leeds having dominant financial resources to make a fist of it in the Premier League next season, it is always going to be a struggle to stay up in their first season, and they are likely to tough it out at the bottom as they look to secure a long-term future among England’s elite.
This is why Walker-Peters may be tempted to avoid that process and pick a more proven side in Europe’s top divisions, with this stance potentially proving to be a major stumbling block in Leeds’ hunt.
Only time will tell how the saga will play out, but Leeds will have it all to do to convince him about joining this project.
