He'd be Farke's own Phillips: Leeds in talks for "sensational" £20m star
da betsul： Leeds United have a huge task to recruit well this summer, handing themselves the best possible chance of securing Premier League survival in 2025/26.
da imperador bet： Daniel Farke has done a superb job in leading the Whites back to the top-flight, but now needs to reestablish their status in such a division after a two-year absence.
It has previously been reported that the boss has a budget of around £100m to make new additions to make the improvements he desires to the current crop of players.
The funds may not be enough this summer, with Farke potentially needing more money at his disposal if he is to make key additions to the squad and offer needed depth, with quality and quantity desperately required.
With the transfer window rapidly approaching, numerous players have already emerged on their list, potentially moving to Elland Road during the off-season should deals be agreed.
The latest on Leeds’ hunt for new additions this summer
The Whites’ hierarchy haven’t been afraid to splash the cash in their recent stint in the Premier League, with the same expected during the next couple of months.
Everton’s Beto and Manchester City’s James McAtee have both already been tipped to make a switch to Elland Road during the off-season, but both could cost a pretty penny.
However, they aren’t the only Premier League talents linked, with West Ham United middle Tomas Soucek also on their radar, according to TBR Football.
The report claims that the hierarchy have already held talks with the 30-year-old Czech international, but could face stiff competition from Everton this summer.
It also states that he’s not seen as part of Graham Potter’s long-term plans at the London Stadium, opening the door to a potential exit, with the Hammers demanding a fee in the region of £20m.
Why Leeds’ £20m target could be Farke’s own Phillips
During Leeds’ previous stint in the Premier League, midfielder Kalvin Phillips played a key role in their success, often being the leading talent at the base of the side.
He made 49 top-flight appearances for the Whites over a two-year period, helping them fend off any looming threats of relegation under Marcelo Bielsa and Jesse Marsch.
The now 29-year-old has since struggled to replicate such levels in recent years, leaving Yorkshire and joining Manchester City back in 2022 for a fee in the region of £45m.
It was an excellent fee received for an academy graduate, but they’ve since lost that commanding and battling presence – something which undoubtedly contributed to their subsequent relegation.
However, a move for Soucek could provide Farke with the combative player he needs for a Premier League season, with the Hammers star’s stats proving his quality this campaign.
The 30-year-old, who’s been labelled “sensational” by presenter Jim White, has managed to register 10 combined goals and assists from his holding midfield role – handing Farke added reinforcements aerially in the final third should he require it.
However, defensively, he could provide that quality missing since Phillips’ departure, winning 58% of the tackles he’s entered this campaign, along with a higher tally of clearances made per 90.
How Soucek compares to Phillips in the PL (2024/25)
Statistics (per 90)
Soucek
Phillips
Games played
33
19
Goals & assists
10
0
Shot-on-target accuracy
28%
18%
Shot-creating actions
1.6
1.2
% of tackles won
58%
38%
Clearances made
2.9
2.7
Take-on success rate
50%
41%
Aerials won
58%
24%
Stats via FBref
His talents don’t stop there, completing more take-ons per 90 this season, offering the side a cool head when in possession – something which will likely be required if they are to avoid the drop.
£20m for an experienced player of Soucek’s quality could prove to be somewhat of a bargain, handing Farke the tools to have the best chance of maintaining their top-flight status.
Should he complete a switch to Yorkshire and get anywhere near the levels produced by the academy graduate, it would be a superb addition, injecting needed quality into the midfield department.
Related The dream Firpo replacement: Leeds plotting move for "phenomenal" £17m star
Leeds United could be about to forget about Junior Firpo with a move for one defensive star.