Following rumours of negotiations for Aston Villa’s Alex Moreno, Leeds United’s search for a new left-back took a new turn on Wednesday as a new name was linked to a transfer to Elland Road. It is “widely anticipated” that Junior Firpo would depart Elland Road this summer, as the Dominican Republic international is being courted by both AC Milan and Lyon. On the 30th, the 28-year-old’s contract will end.
Firpo’s contract may be ending because he wants a new challenge, but there is a belief that Leeds would prefer a better defensive option, with Firpo being a better choice moving ahead. This summer, Leeds has been linked to a number of left-backs, including Konstantinos Tsimikas and Ben Davies. Reinildo Mandava is now a target after it was reported on Tuesday that Leeds was in negotiations for Villa’s Alex Moreno.
Forest, Leeds, and Sunderland try to recruit Mandava
Mandava, a Mozambican international, will depart Atletico Madrid following his participation in the Club World Cup and is currently available on a free transfer. It follows Lille’s January 2022 transfer to Atleti.
Mandava, who can play both left and centre back, has made 102 appearances for Atleti since joining, although he would have made many more if he hadn’t sustained an ACL damage in 2023 while playing for Diego Simeone. Atleti has decided not to extend the 31-year-old’s contract, thus he will now depart on a free transfer. According to Ben Jacobs, Nottingham Forest and Sunderland have also approached Leeds about Mandava. According to Jacobs, “Understand Reinildo has received approaches from Leeds, Nottingham Forest, and Sunderland.” Saudi Arabia and Turkey are more prospects for him. Following the Club World Cup, he will be a free agent.
Reinildo Mandava was a target for Man United only a year ago.
According to The Sun, Erik ten Hag wanted to bring Mandava to the Premier League at Man United, with Villa also interested, even though he had only recovered from an ACL injury for 15 games. He remained, though, and made 29 more appearances under Simeone as Atleti finished third once more, behind Barcelona and Real Madrid. Mandava might now be headed to the Premier League. It’s interesting to note that if Mandava signs with Leeds, Sunderland, or Forest this summer, he would become the first Mozambican player to play in the Premier League. The versatile defender is becoming more and more popular.
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