Leeds United have been dealt a huge blow in their bid to bring Sergio Gomez to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a report by Italian publication Gazetta dello Sport (via MOT Leeds News), who claimed that the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter Milan have all joined the race for the Anderlecht left-back.
This report comes shortly after an earlier story by TEAMtalk which claimed that Victor Orta had identified the 21-year-old as a target for Leeds this summer, with the sporting director believed to be looking at bringing competition in for Junior Firpo on the left-hand side of Jesse Marsch’s backline.
Orta will be fuming
Considering just how much potential Gomez seems to possess, the news that three massive clubs in Manchester United, Chelsea and Inter have also taken an interest in the defender is sure to have left Orta fuming.
Indeed, over his 32 Jupiler Pro League appearances this season, the £8.1m-rated full-back has been in electric form, scoring five goals, registering 10 assists and creating 13 big chances for his team-mates, also making 1.8 key passes and taking 1.3 shots per game.
The £9k-per-week Spain under-21 international has also impressed in metrics more typical of his position, helping Anderlecht to keep six clean sheets, also making 1.4 interceptions, 1.5 tackles and one clearance and winning 3.3 duels (at a success rate of 54%) per match.
These returns have seen the player who was once regarded as a potential successor to Andres Iniesta at Barcelona average an astonishing SofaScore match rating of 7.42, ranking him as the fifth-best player in the Belgian top flight.
As such, it is clear for all to see that Gomez – who football talent scout Jacek Kulig dubbed both a “superb” talent and a “Guardiola-esque kind of full-back” – would make an exceptional addition to Leeds’ current defensive options.
However, with a number of Europe’s elite clubs now reported to also be tracking the 21-year-old, a deal for Gomez looks as if it will be incredibly difficult for Orta to pull off this summer.
AND in other news: Orta can seal Marsch’s dream signing as Leeds plot bid for £25m-rated “unexpected hero”
