Leeds United scouts are carrying out detailed checks on an 18-year-old sensation who Liverpool and Everton have been eyeing up for ages, with Whites officials very impressed by what they’ve seen.
Leeds brace for FA Cup semi-final against Chelsea
Leeds take on Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday afternoon in what is one of the most significant days in the club’s recent history.
Daniel Farke‘s side have not been in an FA Cup semi-final since 1987, and they have earned their place at the national stadium the hard way — coming through a penalty shootout against West Ham in the quarter-finals after being pegged back having led by two goals at the London Stadium.
If they beat Chelsea, who are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior, the Yorkshire side will reach their first FA Cup final since 1973, and have a shot at their first piece of major silverware since the First Division title in 1992 — just before it was rebranded to the Premier League.
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The Whites could reach their first FA Cup final since the 1970s.
Leeds have all but secured their top flight status after an impressive return to form recently, including back-to-back wins against Man United and Wolves before earning a surprise draw at Europe-chasing Bournemouth.
With safety now more likely than not, the FA Cup run has added a layer of genuine excitement to what might otherwise have been a straightforward end to the season.
Leeds could also qualify for Europe by lifting the trophy at Wembley, so Farke’s side have it all to play for.
Off the pitch, the club are already thinking ahead, and one name that has caught the eye of their scouts is worth knowing about.
Leeds scouts blown away by Genk sensation Konstantinos Karetsas
TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey reports that Leeds are among the clubs to be running the rule over teenage Genk playmaker Konstantinos Karetsas.
Leeds scouts who have watched the player have come away very impressed by his creativity, vision and maturity — which have been repeatedly highlighted as qualities that stand out for a player still so young.
Karetsas was born in Genk and came through the club’s academy before a spell at Anderlecht, returning to his hometown side in January 2023.
He now represents Greece at international level, having switched from Belgium, and made history in March 2025 when he became the youngest scorer in Greek national team history — netting against Scotland in a Nations League play-off at just 17.
This season he has registered 18 assists in all competitions, establishing himself as one of the most exciting young players in Belgium.
The interest in him is understandably substantial.
TEAMtalk also say that Chelsea and their BlueCo ownership group have been admirers for some time, with a track record of recruiting from Genk.
Bailey says there is a view that Karetsas could follow a similar pathway to De Bruyne as a result.
Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille have also been tracking him, while Liverpool and Everton are credited with long-standing interest. Brighton and Brentford, two clubs with strong records for identifying young European talent at the right price, are also in the picture alongside City Football Group.
Karetsas is expected to leave Genk this summer, which sets up what could be a competitive summer chase.
Whether Leeds ultimately push hard for a move or find themselves priced out remains to be seen.
For now though, there is a more pressing matter. Wembley on Sunday, Chelsea standing in the way, and a place in an FA Cup final up for grabs.
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He could well be their first signing of the summer.