Leeds United step up interest in Adama Traore

Leeds United are reportedly ready to step up their interest in Wolverhampton Wanderers star Adama Traore this summer.

According to TEAMtalk, Premier League side Leeds United are ready to step up their efforts to land Wolverhampton Wanderers’ attacker Adama Traore in the summer transfer window.

The Spanish international can play anywhere along the frontline and is an overwhelming force in the final third on his day. Not only does Traore have a decent first touch, but he also has the physicality and athleticism to run through opposition defenders.

A graduate of the famed La Masia academy, Traore returned to Barcelona on loan in January. His time in Catalunya had its moments, but a return of just four assists in 17 games proved to be underwhelming. The 26-year-old is now back at the Molineux and could be on the move once again this summer.

Traore is entering the final year of his contract at the Molineux this summer and is unwilling to pen a fresh deal. He is seeking a new challenge, and Wolves will do well to cash in on him this summer. After all, it represents their best opportunity to secure a decent fee for the Spaniard.

Leeds finished just outside the relegation zone last season and will need to massively up their game to avoid another dogfight to beat the drop. It could prove all the more difficult should they lose star attacker Raphinha, who is attracting attention from some of the biggest names in Europe.

Losing the Brazilian will largely stymie the Leeds attack, and adding Traore could fill that gap to an extent. Jesse Marsch is known to get the best out of talented players, and in Traore, he has a pool of untapped talent waiting to be unleashed. The combination of ball control and athleticism is uncommon among top-tier players, and the Spanish international could develop into a juggernaut under the right guidance.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta is a fan of the 26-year-old and signed him during his time at Middlesbrough. He could be about to do that for a second time, signing the player for Leeds this time around.

Wolves, for their part, are not averse to a sale and will part with the Spaniard for around £20 million. Given what he could become, the fee is a drop in the ocean and could prove to be money well spent for Leeds.