Leeds eyeing £20m star who Pep Guardiola called “one of the best” he’s ever coached

Leeds are preparing for a crucial second season back in the Premier League after successfully preserving their top-flight status, with Daniel Farke now expected to oversee another important summer at Elland Road.

Leeds returned to the Premier League last summer and experienced a difficult but ultimately successful campaign back among England’s elite.

Survival remained the priority throughout much of the season, but the club showed signs of progress during the second half of the year as Farke gradually stabilised performances and improved consistency against fellow mid-table and lower-half sides.

The Whites also reached their first FA Cup semi-final since the 1980s, so there is plenty to build upon.

With another year of Premier League football secured, attention has quickly turned towards strengthening key areas of the squad.

Defence is believed to be one of Leeds’ biggest priorities this summer, and one player now linked is Man City defender Nathan Ake.

Leeds eye summer move for Man City defender Nathan Ake

According to TEAMtalk’s Graeme Bailey, Leeds are among the clubs who have expressed interest in the Netherlands international this summer.

Bournemouth and Crystal Palace are also believed to be monitoring the situation as uncertainty grows around Ake’s future at the Etihad Stadium.

The report claims City could be prepared to consider offers worth around £20 million as incoming new boss Enzo Maresca reshapes his squad after Pep Guardiola’s emotional farewell.

Ake remains one of the Premier League’s most experienced defenders despite injuries limiting parts of his recent seasons.

The Dutchman joined City from Bournemouth in 2020 and has since won four Premier League titles, the Champions League, two FA Cups, two Carabao Cups and a Club World Cup.

His ability to operate both centrally and at left-back has consistently made him a valuable squad player under Guardiola.

Although injuries and competition for places restricted some of his involvement over the last two campaigns, Guardiola continued to speak extremely highly of the defender whenever fit.

Ahead of City’s match against Crystal Palace earlier this season, the ex-City manager praised Ake and even claimed that the 31-year-old is one of the best players he’s ever coached.

Those comments underline why Leeds’ interest is attracting attention.

Ake would bring major top-level experience to a squad still adapting to the demands of Premier League football.

His calmness in possession, tactical intelligence and positional flexibility would all suit the profile Leeds are believed to be targeting this summer.

The reported £20m fee could still represent a substantial investment for Leeds, however, considering Ake only has a year left on his deal and is approaching the twilight phase of his career.

While the club’s financial position has improved following survival, Leeds are still expected to spend carefully and prioritise players capable of making an immediate impact.

For Leeds, though, the links reflect a wider ambition to become more established at Premier League level.

Farke’s side showed resilience during their first campaign back in the division, but there is recognition that the squad still needs greater depth and experience if the club are to move comfortably towards mid-table or beyond next year.

Whether Ake ultimately leaves City remains uncertain, but Leeds’ interest demonstrates the level of experience and pedigree they are now exploring as they prepare for another demanding Premier League season.