Leeds United are reportedly exploring a summer move for Bordeaux striker Sekou Mara, who is also a target for Newcastle United and AC Milan.
According to the print edition of Daily Mail, as relayed by MOT Leeds News, Leeds United have made an approach for Bordeaux’s 19-year-old wonderkid Sekou Mara as Jesse Marsch seeks to reinforce the centre-forward position following Patrick Bamford’s injury problems in the 2021/22 season.
Despite losing their two best players this summer, Leeds have had a very successful transfer window. They have already bought six players and are eager to continue spending the cash generated from the sales of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, with Club Brugge’s Charles De Ketelaere and PSG’s Arnaud Kalimuendo believed to be their primary targets.
With De Ketelaere preferring a switch to AC Milan over Elland Road, and PSG viewing Kalimuendo as the direct replacement for Mauro Icardi, Leeds are starting to look at alternatives for the spot. There are also rumours that Kalimuendo himself is not keen on the idea of leaving Parc des Princes, having impressed new coach Christophe Galtier on the club’s pre-season tour of Japan.
As such, the Whites are planning on switching their attention to another young France-based striker and have contacted Bordeaux over the availability of 19-year-old French attacking sensation Sekou Mara. Formerly of PSG’s academy, the French youth international joined Bordeaux in 2017 on a free transfer.
Since then, the 19-year-old has excelled, directly contributing to 11 goals in 36 senior appearances for Les Girondins. Mara netted five goals in the final eight matches of the 2021/22 season and was one of the very few shining lights for a Bordeaux side that were relegated to Ligue 2 after finishing bottom of Ligue 1.
Consequently, the French outfit plunged into deeper holes after being relegated to the third tier of French football due to their increasing financial issues thanks to their infamous club owner, Gerard Lopez, who was also responsible for leaving LOSC Lille in financial disarray and a debt-ridden predicament.
Bordeaux thus need to offload a large chunk of their first-team squad to lessen the financial burden. They could be forced to sell their highly-coveted talent, Mara, who has already captured the attention of AS Monaco and Lyon, as well as cash-rich Newcastle United and Spanish giants Atletico Madrid.
Leeds United have now jumped on the bandwagon of suitors vying for his signature. With Mara contracted until the summer of 2025, Bordeaux are demanding a fee of around €15 million plus incentives and a sell-on percentage to allow the teenage attacking sensation to leave.
Last season, Leeds struggled with a lack of cover for the injury-prone Patrick Bamford, who only made nine Premier League appearances. When called upon, young prospect Joe Gelhardt stepped up, while Daniel James and Raphinha both operated centrally to varying degrees of success.
Signing Mara would represent a relatively risk-free investment from the Leeds hierarchy given he is 19 years old, has tremendous potential, and uprising stock. While still very raw and inexperienced at the top level, the exciting teenager has already demonstrated that he is capable of making an impact even when his team is in a difficult situation.
