Leeds United have reportedly secured a deal to sign Largie Ramazani, an impressive winger from UD Almeria, as they seek to fill the void left by Crysencio Summerville. The club’s efforts to strengthen their attacking options come after several key departures, including Georginio Rutter’s move to Brighton & Hove Albion. The loss of Summerville, who joined West Ham United, along with Archie Gray’s transfer to Tottenham Hotspur, has left Leeds in urgent need of reinforcements.
The summer transfer window has seen Leeds linked with various players such as Manuel Benson and Carlos Forbs. Benson, currently at Burnley, has struggled for game time under Scott Parker, making him a potential target for Leeds as they look to bolster their squad. Similarly, Forbs, a Manchester City academy product now with Ajax, might also be considered, though he is still young and might return to English football.
However, Leeds have shifted their focus to Ramazani, a Manchester United academy alumnus. According to reports by Fabrizio Romano, Leeds and the 49ers Enterprises have agreed on an €11.7 million deal for the winger. Ramazani’s signing is further advantageous for Leeds as he qualifies as a homegrown player, thanks to his time with Manchester United and Charlton Athletic’s academies.
Despite representing Belgium, Ramazani’s homegrown status meets EFL requirements, as players who spend over three seasons registered with an FA-affiliated club before turning 21 are classified as homegrown. This aspect is crucial for Leeds, given the EFL’s stipulation that each matchday squad must include at least seven homegrown players.
Ramazani’s talent is evident; at 23, he had a standout season with Almeria, despite the team’s relegation from La Liga. With four goals and five assists, Ramazani has drawn significant praise, including from analyst Ben Mattinson, who commended his impressive performance since joining La Liga. Leeds appear set to benefit from his skills and homegrown status, addressing their immediate needs effectively.