Leeds United are now willing to trigger the £21m release clause in the contract of a “spectacular” midfielder, according to a report.
Leeds looking to sign midfielder amid £120m cash injection
The 49ers are showing they mean business as Leeds prepare for their return to the Premier League, having injected £120m into the club, with former Everton CEO Keith Wyness revealing the Championship title winners are willing to splash the cash.
Wyness said: “I think a chunk of it will be going towards transfer business. I think that £100million mark is a minimum spend now, and they’ve got to spend it wisely.
“This cash injection will pay for some new players to give the fans hope.”
One position in which the Whites are particularly keen on strengthening is central midfield, with Kalvin Phillips being linked with a return to Elland Road, while they are also “one to watch” in the race for Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma.
Moves for Bissouma or Phillips could make sense, having proven themselves in the Premier League, but there have now been suggestions that Daniel Farke’s side may also take a risk on a La Liga midfielder.
According to a report from Super Deporte (via Leeds United News), Leeds are now willing to activate the £21m release clause in Uche’s Getafe contract, with the midfielder catching the eye of some bigger clubs courtesy of his performances in Spain.
Brighton & Hove Albion are also in the race for the Nigerian, with the Seagulls also showing a desire to trigger the release clause in his contract with the Spanish side, so there may be stiff competition for his signature.
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ByDominic Lund "Spectacular" Uche impressing in La Liga
The 22-year-old emerged as a key player for Getafe in the 2024-25 La Liga season, making 33 appearances, during which time he has displayed his versatility by featuring in a range of positions, including striker, although the maestro most commonly plays in a midfield role.
It is clear to see why the Nigeria international has been given the nod further forward, having picked up four goals and six assists in La Liga during the 2024-25 campaign, scoring with an impressive effort from outside the box back in August.
However, the “spectacular” Getafe gem, as lauded by manager Jose Bordalas, is also strong at winning back possession, ranking in the 95th percentile for tackles per 90 over the past year, and the 89th percentile for interceptions, when compared to his positional peers.
Uche’s versatility could make him a very useful option for Farke next season, and £21m feels like a fair fee, given his recent exploits in La Liga, but Brighton’s interest could pose a problem, considering they are a more established Premier League side.