Leeds United are reportedly closing in on the capture of Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca this summer.
According to MARCA, Leeds United are on the verge of signing Marc Roca. The Premier League outfit have negotiated a fee of around €13-15 million for the signing of the Bayern Munich midfielder, who is expected to sign a contract of either three and four years.
Upon his likely arrival, Roca will become Leeds’s third new signing ahead of the 2022/23 campaign, following the footsteps of Brenden Aaronson and Rasmus Kristensen, as the Whites continue the trend of buying players from Germany and Austria, thanks to the influence of Jesse Marsch.
The American tactician was hugely involved in Leeds United’s pursuit of Roca. He was keen on reinforcing the defensive midfield role in light of Kalvin Phillips’s likely departure from Elland Road. The homegrown prodigy has been subjected to a move to Manchester City this summer, as he looks to take the next step in his career.
Phillips has been in contact with the Premier League champions over a summer move to the Etihad. His potential exit could create a massive void in Leeds’s midfield unit, effectively leaving them without a recognised option in the number six slot.
Marc Roca is far from an established star like Phillips. In fact, the Spaniard is coming on the back of two disappointing seasons at Bayern Munich that saw him make a combined total of just 15 Bundesliga appearances. He has struggled for prominence in Bavaria, falling behind the likes of Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka and Corentin Tolisso in the pecking order.
The Spaniard, though, has been offered a prominent role in Marsch’s plans at Leeds for next season. The American mastermind is well aware of the Bayern Munich midfielder’s skillset, having watched him closely during his time in the Bundesliga.
From a sporting perspective, Roca could become Leeds’s number one choice in the holding midfield role. He could accompany the likes of Adam Forshaw and Aaronson in midfield, which could enhance the club’s second line of press while offering them more control in possession.
Marc Roca was not the only target for Leeds United for the number six position, as the Whites had also considered a move for Florian Grillitsch. But the Bayern Munich starlet certainly has a higher ceiling and could offer more technicality in the middle of the park, thus making him a potential coup for the Yorkshire outfit this summer.
