Leeds United transfer news as Joaquin Piquerez wanted at Elland Road

Leeds United are interested in bringing Uruguayan defender Joaquin Piquerez to Elland Road this summer according to Brazilian journalist Diego Firmino.

The 24-year-old left-back currently plays for Palmeiras in the Brazilian Serie A and the Uruguay national team, where he has earned nine caps, with his most recent coming under the tutelage of former Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa.

According to Firmino, who has over 50,000k followers across social media, Leeds holds a genuine interest and that a proposal to sign Piquerez could arrive in the next few days, however, there is still a chance that the deal doesn’t go any further

According to Firmino, who has over 50,000k followers across social media, Leeds holds a genuine interest and that a proposal to sign Piquerez could arrive in the next few days, however, there is still a chance that the deal doesn’t go any further

Having signed Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea, the new owners at Elland Road look ready to amp up their summer transfer business, with left-back one of the key areas that need strengthening if Leeds can hope for a return to the top-flight.

International quality

When the signing of Ampadu was confirmed, the first positive that came to mind was his vast international and top-flight experience at such a young age and while Piquerez’s seven Uruguay caps fall well short of the Welshman’s tally, it shows the quality of the talent pool Leeds are doing business in

The 24-year-old has started crucial World Cup qualifying matches against Argentina and Brazil and the thought of seeing him starting on the left side of defence at Elland Road this season should be one that excites Leeds fans.

But the deal does seem to be in the relatively early stages, with Palmeiras awaiting an official bid from Daniel Farke’s side. The Whites are having to be extra careful in the transfer market due to fairly tight financial fair play restrictions in the EFL, so it may be a case that a deal can’t be completed on terms that suit everyone.

In ten Serie A starts this term, Piquerez has managed to assist three times as Palmeiras sit sixth in the division. Leeds have the players towards the top end of the field to score chances when their teammates are creating them for them and having that extra source of creativity at left-back will only benefit Farke’s team in the coming season.

In other Leeds United news, a new documentary has shown the risky transfer approach under former Leeds chairman Andrea Radrizzani