Leeds United and Chelsea are reportedly preparing bids to sign 18-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion sensation Zak Sturge.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea and Leeds United are in the race to sign Brighton & Hove Albion’s 18-year-old left-back Zak Sturge. The teenage defensive sensation is yet to make an appearance for Brighton’s first team, but is a promising talent and can be Premier League ready in the near future.
Sturge rose through the youth ranks at Brighton and was promoted to their under-18 team in 2020. The English defender has since made 41 appearances for the club’s under-18 side while playing three matches for their under-23 side as well. His impressive form for Brighton’s under-18 team helped him get selected for the England under-18 side.
The player reportedly rejected a contract offer from Brighton last year. With his contract expiring this summer, Sturge will be available on a free transfer, and two Premier League clubs – Chelsea and Leeds United are vying for his signature.
The Blues have had a long-standing interest in Sturge and were interested in a winter deal for him. However, while Brighton rejected two bids from Chelsea for the youngster in January, the Premier League giants have maintained their interest and are now looking to sign him up on a free deal.
But Chelsea will have to see off competition from Leeds United, who are targeting signing a left-back this summer. The Whites are eager to add depth to the left-back department, and in Sturge, they will get an option who could gradually become their first choice for the position.
Junior Firpo has failed to cement a starting spot since his arrival from Barcelona last year, and Sturge could push him for a starting spot. Increased competition in the squad will help Leeds emerge better from a disappointing 2021/22 season, which saw them narrowly avoid the drop to the EFL Championship.
Leeds are also set to lose two of their most important players in Raphinha and Kalvin Phillips. While the latter seems set to join Manchester City, Raphinha’s next destination is still unclear, with Arsenal and Barcelona fighting for his signature.
