Leeds United have reportedly set their sights on Bayern Munich outcast Marc Roca, who is available for a fee of £10 million.
According to The Athletic, Leeds United are set to continue their spending spree in the summer by targeting Marc Roca. The Bayern Munich midfielder has emerged as the latest target for coach Jesse Marsch, as he looks to shore up his options in the middle of the park.
Formerly of Espanyol, Roca has been a member of Bayern Munich since the summer of 2020. He was brought in to add more competition for the likes of Leon Goretzka, Corentin Tolisso and Joshua Kimmich. Many had even considered him as an ideal long-term replacement for Javi Martinez.
However, after spending two years at the club, Roca’s spell at Bayern has been largely a disappointment. He has struggled to gain prominence at the Allianz Arena, failing to establish himself as a first-team regular for Bayern Munich. The Spanish midfielder has made a combined total of just 15 appearances in the Bundesliga in two years.
The Spaniard has fallen behind Kimmich and Goretzka in the pecking order. And although Bayern have decided to release Tolisso in the summer, Roca’s status in the first team is unlikely to improve, especially if the Bavarians succeed in their pursuit of Ryan Gravenberch.
Marc Roca’s precarious situation has put Leeds United on alert. The Whites are on the lookout for reinforcements in the midfield unit this summer, especially amid uncertainty over the future of Kalvin Phillips, who has been in contact with Manchester City lately.
Leeds United have appeared quite active in the market this summer. They have roped in Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen from Red Bull Salzburg, in an attempt to strengthen the overall depth of the team. Coach Jesse Marsch has now targeted the midfield unit that often relies heavily on Phillips.
In Roca, Leeds could find themselves a technically astute number six, who is capable of rotating possession and acting as the anchorman in the middle of the park. It would make him an ideal long-term replacement for Phillips, in case the Englishman departs in the coming summer.
Given his struggles at Bayern Munich, Roca is unlikely to cost a fortune either. The report indicates the Bavarians would be open to selling the midfielder if they receive a bid of around £10 million this summer, potentially making the Spaniard a massive bargain for Leeds United this summer.
