Leeds see Raskin as key signing

Good Morning. It's Thursday 8th May, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...


Leeds see Raskin as key signing

A tug-of-war is brewing between Leeds United and Aston Villa for the signature of Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin this Summer. The Belgian international has become a key figure at Ibrox since his £6m move from Standard Liege in January 2023, quickly establishing himself as a fan favorite.

Raskin's move to Rangers was largely influenced by then-manager Michael Beale, and the 24-year-old has more than lived up to the expectations surrounding him. This season, he has arguably been Rangers' most consistent performer, contributing three goals and eight assists in 45 appearances.

Known for his ability to dictate the tempo of the game, Raskin primarily operates as a deep-lying playmaker. His tactical intelligence, impressive ball skills, excellent distribution, and vision make him a valuable asset in controlling the midfield. These qualities have understandably made him a popular figure amongst the Rangers faithful.

While Raskin is under contract at Rangers until 2027, the allure of Premier League football could prove tempting for the Belgian international, who has earned two international caps this year. Rangers are understandably reluctant to lose such a pivotal player, but the prospect of playing in England's top flight may be hard to resist.

Leeds United, preparing for their Premier League return after securing automatic promotion from the Championship, see Raskin as the ideal addition to strengthen their squad. His qualities align with their ambition to establish themselves in the Premier League.

Aston Villa, under the guidance of Unai Emery, also see immense potential in Raskin. Emery views the 24-year-old as a versatile player capable of seamlessly integrating into their high-pressing system. His tactical awareness and technical abilities make him a valuable asset for Villa's midfield.

Adding an interesting layer to this transfer saga is the ownership structure. 49ers Enterprises own both Leeds United and Rangers, creating a potentially delicate situation. They will undoubtedly aim to avoid any perception of favoritism. However, if Raskin's departure is inevitable, 49ers Enterprises may prefer to keep him within their umbrella, potentially favouring a move to Elland Road.





Whites explore cost-effective Goalkeeper option in Conan Ledesma

Reports circulating from Spain suggest that Leeds United could be exploring a move for experienced goalkeeper Conan Ledesma, currently plying his trade at Argentine giants River Plate. The 32-year-old shot-stopper, formerly of Cadiz in La Liga, is reportedly on the Whites' radar as they potentially seek Summer reinforcements.

Ledesma's track record, particularly his respected tenure in Spanish football, where he was often highlighted as a standout performer, makes him an appealing target. His proven ability and maturity are seen as valuable assets that could benefit Leeds.

However, Ledesma's move to River Plate last Summer hasn't gone as planned. Despite joining for a modest fee of around £2.2 million, he has found playing time severely restricted. He has struggled to dislodge the long-established number one, Franco Armani, resulting in just 4 league appearances since his arrival in Buenos Aires.

This lack of game time at River Plate presents a potential opportunity for Leeds. A player of Ledesma's calibre – someone recognised as one of La Liga's better keepers in recent years – could potentially be available for a minimal price given his current status at the club. For Leeds, this could represent a chance to sign an experienced, high-pedigree goalkeeper without breaking the bank.

The Yorkshire club has been linked with more high-profile, and likely expensive, English keepers such as Aaron Ramsdale and Jordan Pickford this transfer window. However, with Financial Fair Play regulations potentially limiting their spending power to around £150 million plus funds generated from player sales, pursuing a target like Ledesma could be a financially astute move. Why commit potentially £20-25 million or more on a goalkeeper when a similarly experienced and capable player like Ledesma might be attainable for a significantly smaller outlay?

While nothing is confirmed, the resurfacing links to Conan Ledesma suggest Leeds are not only looking for quality but are also considering the financial implications of their summer recruitment, potentially viewing the Argentine keeper as a cost-effective solution to bolster their squad.





Leeds target Besiktas Starlet Semih Kilicsoy

Leeds are reportedly ramping up their efforts to sign highly-rated Besiktas forward Semih Kilicsoy, with club officials preparing to fly to Istanbul to formally table an offer. The move comes as the Summer transfer window approaches, with the 19-year-old seen as a promising young and versatile option for the West Yorkshire outfit.

According to a report from Turkish outlet Yeni Asir on May 7th, Leeds have already "made a move" for the teenager and a delegation from the Whites is scheduled to jet out to Turkey soon to negotiate with Besiktas.

Kilicsoy is a player who has caught the eye despite his young age. He has broken into the Besiktas first team and shown bursts of impressive form. While he has been in and out of the starting lineup recently, his potential is undeniable. At youth level, he boasts an impressive record, scoring 42 goals in 64 appearances for Besiktas's second string squad. He also captains Turkey’s U21 side and has already earned four caps for the senior national team.

Leeds are reportedly viewing Kilicsoy as a long-term investment for the future of the club. While Besiktas are believed to be holding out for a fee in the region of £16 million for a permanent transfer, Leeds are reportedly keen on striking a loan-to-buy deal. This structure would potentially allow them to integrate the player into their squad before committing to the full transfer fee.

However, Leeds are not the only club interested in the young Turkish international. Previous reports, including one from Turkish outlet Milliyet, have linked Premier League sides Newcastle United and Aston Villa with potential moves for Kilicsoy, suggesting Leeds may face competition for his signature this Summer.