Even better than Solomon: Leeds submit bid to sign £13m star
Leeds United are making it clear they’re not taking any chances when it comes to Premier League survival next season. Determined to avoid an immediate return to the Championship, the newly promoted side is moving swiftly in the summer transfer market, assembling a squad capable of competing at the top level.
On Tuesday, the Whites confirmed the signing of Swedish international left-back Gabriel Gudmundsson from Ligue 1 side Lille. The 25-year-old is expected to become the club’s new first-choice left-back, replacing the inconsistent Junior Firpo. The acquisition of Gudmundsson underlines Leeds’ intent to strengthen key areas with players who have experience in major European leagues.
In addition to reinforcing the left flank, Leeds have significantly bolstered their defensive core, bringing in Sebastiaan Bornauw from Wolfsburg and Jaka Bijol from Udinese. These two central defenders add height, physicality, and composure to a backline that will need to withstand serious pressure in the Premier League.
However, despite these promising additions in defence, Leeds must now turn their focus to the final third. Strengthening their attacking options is crucial if they are to compete against top-tier opposition week in and week out.
Manor Solomon Situation: A Gamble Worth Taking?
One player that Leeds have reportedly considered bringing back is Manor Solomon. The Israeli winger spent last season on loan at Elland Road and delivered an impressive campaign in the Championship, tallying 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 appearances. His performances helped power Leeds to promotion, operating effectively on the left side of manager Daniel Farke’s 4-2-3-1 formation.
Despite that success, negotiations for a permanent transfer have reportedly hit a standstill, as per TEAMtalk. The club is said to be interested in bringing Solomon back permanently, but talks have reached a deadlock, casting doubt on whether a deal will materialise.
While his impact in the Championship was notable, Solomon’s previous stints in the Premier League were far less convincing. During his time with Fulham and Tottenham Hotspur, he managed just five goals and two assists across 30 appearances in all competitions. These numbers suggest a player who has yet to prove he can consistently perform at the top level.
His Premier League stats paint a clearer picture:
24 appearances
4 goals
2 assists
1 big chance created
xA: 1.43
These figures show that Solomon, while technically sound, lacked the end product expected of a top-flight winger. And though he thrived in the Championship, it remains uncertain whether he can replicate that output in a more demanding environment.
Leeds Exploring Alternatives: Jeremie Boga
With the Solomon deal in limbo, Leeds have started looking elsewhere—and one of their primary targets is Jeremie Boga of OGC Nice. According to Africa Foot, the club has already submitted a bid of €15 million (£13 million) for the Ivorian winger. Whether that offer will be enough to convince Nice to sell remains to be seen, especially as the 28-year-old still has two years left on his contract.
Leeds are not the only club interested. Reports indicate that there is also competition from clubs in the Turkish Super Lig, although it’s unclear if they have matched Leeds’ offer. Encouragingly for the Yorkshire club, Boga is reportedly open to a return to England—having started his career with Chelsea and had a loan spell at Birmingham City.
Why Jeremie Boga Could Be a Smarter Bet
While Solomon’s familiarity with the club might make him a tempting option, Boga arguably brings more upside, especially at the Premier League level. Although he never got a proper run at Chelsea—playing just once in the Premier League—he has made a name for himself in Serie A and Ligue 1, two of Europe’s top-five leagues.
During the 2023/24 season with Nice, Boga notched three goals and one assist in 24 appearances, which might seem underwhelming at first glance. However, advanced metrics and his historical track record suggest a deeper quality to his game.
Key stats from the 2023/24 Ligue 1 season (via FotMob):
xG (Expected Goals): 4.23 – Top 22% of Ligue 1 wingers
Goals: 6 – Top 13%
xA (Expected Assists): 4.26 – Top 18%
Assists: 6 – Top 15%
Chances Created: 33 – Top 21%
These numbers indicate that Boga was more effective than the raw goal tally suggests. He created chances, got into dangerous positions, and contributed both as a scorer and provider. His underlying data shows he consistently performs at a high level compared to his peers, even if the goals and assists don’t always tell the full story.
Moreover, his past performances in Serie A bolster his case. Over the course of 136 matches for Sassuolo and Atalanta, he tallied 20 goals and 13 assists, including an eye-catching 11-goal season in 2019/20. This highlights his ability to impact games across different systems and leagues.
Conclusion: Boga Over Solomon?
Both Solomon and Boga bring unique qualities to the table, but when it comes to Premier League readiness, Boga may hold the edge. The Ivorian has proven himself in elite leagues, has better recent metrics in a top-tier competition, and possesses the kind of direct attacking flair that could help Leeds break down stubborn defences.
While Solomon’s familiarity with Farke’s tactics and the Elland Road environment is a plus, his struggles in the Premier League can’t be ignored. Boga, despite a mixed season at Nice, offers a higher ceiling and more top-level experience.
With survival the top priority, Leeds should seriously consider prioritising Boga’s signing—and with their €15m bid on the table, they may be well on their way to securing a potentially decisive attacking upgrade.