Leeds United to utilise Championship ‘clout’ to sign Sammie Szmodics
Dan Bardell has urged Leeds United to sign Sammie Szmodics from Blackburn Rovers.
Speaking to Peterborough’s official website (17 July), their chairman Darragh MacAnthony believes the Irishman would help in their promotion bid.
He suggested that the Blackburn forward would “pretty much guarantee” the Whites promotion from the Premier League next season.
Sky Sports and talkSPORT journalist Bardell agrees with this and has urged Leeds to utilise their club stature compared to their league rivals to their advantage.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Bardell said: “He scored bags of goals for Blackburn last season in a great year for him.
“With Leeds being in the Championship, they’ve got to use their clout and sign the best players in the league and Szmodics is one of those.
“Farke’s football would suit him and he would score a lot of goals for Leeds. He would be a really good signing if the fee was right.“
Leeds United told to sign Sammie Szmodics
The 28-year-old scored 27 goals and assisted four across 44 appearances in the Championship [FotMob], making him the top scorer by three.
Crysencio Summerville came closest for Leeds with 20 goals of his own with their top-scoring recognised striker being Patrick Bamford with nine.
Adding the Ireland international to Daniel Farke’s side this season could prove to be a shrewd piece of business depending on the fee involved.
There has been no official interest yet but it has been recognised that the forward would suit the set-up at Elland Road for the season ahead.
Szmodics would be an exciting signing for the Whites and could be the difference to earn promotion to the Premier League.
In other Leeds United news, Junior Firpo could make a transfer U-turn after what he did v Harrogate Town.
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Willy Gnonto finished at Leeds United as ‘cash in’ message sent amid latest exit rumour
Former Leeds United midfielder David Norris insists the club should still sell Wilfried Gnonto amid a rise in the number of managers interested.
Gnonto started off last season in the Championship by infamously refusing to play for the club before racking up eight goals and three assists in 39 league games (22 starts).
The 20-year-old was not selected by Italy for Euro 2024 and has now reportedly made clear he wishes to leave Elland Road [The Boot Room, 16 July], with a number of Premier League clubs including Newcastle United and Everton chasing his signature.
Norris, who represented the Whites between 2012 and 2015, exclusively told MOT Leeds News: “I do still see Gnonto leaving. He kicked up a fuss last year and then did okay, but only really in fits and starts.
“I think his mind was maybe a little elsewhere, and he had people questioning his character.
“I still back him to go and do well because he is a good player, but at the same time I think his time at Leeds is done and the club should cash in.”
Leeds United chapter could be done for Gnonto
With an increasing number of avenues looking to point to the exit door for Gnonto, it will be interesting for Leeds’ young winger where he could be playing his football next season.
Everton’s pursuit of fellow Championship hotshot Jaden Philogene was unsuccessful which now sees the Toffees averting their gaze towards the 13-cap Italian.
The imminent sale of Amadou Onana to Aston Villa frees up £50m for Sean Dyche’s side, though it’s unclear how much will be delegated to squad improvements following the club’s recent takeover collapse.