Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris expects Marcelo Bielsa’s side to make an attempt to sign Udinese and Serie A star Rodrigo De Paul.
De Paul is a name that has been on the lips of Leeds fans since they made their return to the Premier League last summer. However, Leeds failed to get the signature they craved last summer, but Norris has backed The Whites to get the deal over the line this summer.
The Argentine midfielder went onto enjoy a successful 2020/21 campaign with a struggling Udinese side that finished 14th in Italy’s top-flight, notching 9 goals and 11 assists to further raise his profile on clubs all across the European continent.
Speaking to Transfer Tavern, Norris said:
“Yeah I think so. That one’s not gone away for a year now. I fully expect that he knows Leeds are interested now.
“Leeds have shown an interest for a long time, so normally with that perseverance, I’d absolutely expect Leeds to try to get that one over the line. He fits their style of play, Leeds will have done due diligence on him and from what we’ve seen of him, and the way Leeds play, he would suit their style of play.
“He seems to want the move, Leeds want it, so I expect Leeds to really go after that one and just hope, potentially, they don’t get gazumped.”
TIF Thoughts…
Currently valued at £34.2 million (via Transfermarkt), it could be argued that in order to get De Paul’s signature, Leeds would have to smash their own transfer record – the £27 million they paid Rodrigo last summer.
However, the signing of De Paul could help Bielsa replace the creativity and output lost if Leeds’ star man, Raphinha, moves on this summer – having been linked with a move to Liverpool in recent weeks.
After an excellent 9th-place finish in their first season back in the Premier League, the signing of De Paul would represent a fantastic platform for Leeds to enjoy future success.