Leeds United could return their interest to their long-term target Rodrigo de Paul this summer with Victor Orta said to be a big admirer.
This has been suggested by the transfer insider Dean Jones who has been speaking all things Leeds ahead of this summer’s window with GIVEMESPORT.
Jesse Marsch’s men have secured their spot in the Premier League for next season but it is apparent work needs to be done to his squad to avoid the same happening next season.
Leeds were heavily linked with De Paul a couple of years ago but the Argentine midfielder made the move to Atletico Madrid in a deal believed to be worth around £31.5m.
Do you want De Paul at Leeds?
Yes
No
But having endured a less productive campaign in La Liga, Jones believes Leeds could make a move for the 28-year-old which could tempt De Paul this summer:
“They have been trying to get him since 2020 and while he is part of an Atletico Madrid side that have higher ambitions than Leeds right now, his output dropped this season and he just might fancy a switch,” Jones said.
“Victor Orta is an admirer and this could be the sort of statement Leeds look to make before big investment comes at the back end of the year. It won’t be easy – but he’s worth dreaming about.”
TIF Thoughts on Jones’ comments…
Brenden Aaronson recently signed for the Whites, but it would be some statement as Dean Jones states for Marsch to bring La Liga’s priciest signing from last summer.
We can absolutely see where Jones is coming from with this suggestion given De Paul was only able to provide Diego Simeone with three goals and two assists this season.
Given this is a fair reduction from his output in the 2020/21 campaign in Serie A, it could be plausible to imagine Simeone potentially looking to cash in on De Paul and looking for a replacement this summer.
At the same time, with four years still on his deal at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium, Atletico hold all the cards in this potential deal so Leeds may have to pay up big if they want De Paul.