{"id":250385,"date":"2026-06-27T19:40:14","date_gmt":"2026-06-27T19:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/27\/leeds-in-talks-to-sign-exciting-player-who-was-close-to-joining-man-united-in-2023\/"},"modified":"2026-06-27T19:40:14","modified_gmt":"2026-06-27T19:40:14","slug":"leeds-in-talks-to-sign-exciting-player-who-was-close-to-joining-man-united-in-2023","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/2026\/06\/27\/leeds-in-talks-to-sign-exciting-player-who-was-close-to-joining-man-united-in-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Leeds in talks to sign &#8216;exciting&#8217; player who was close to joining Man United in 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><\/p>\n<div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/tag\/leeds-united\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Leeds<\/a>\u2019 summer transfer business continues to gather pace as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/tag\/daniel-farke\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Daniel Farke<\/a> looks to strengthen key areas of his squad ahead of the new Premier League season.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<p>The Yorkshire club have already moved to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/athletic\/7263255\/2026\/06\/24\/harry-wilson-leeds-fulham-transfer-news\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">secure the signing<\/a> of Harry Wilson on a free transfer, adding proven top-flight experience and creativity in the final third after his spell at Fulham.<\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\" style=\"padding-bottom:50%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n                                                                                            <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 1023px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/fulham-harry-wilson.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Wilson arrives with a strong Premier League pedigree, having racked up 11 goals and nine assists in all competitions last term, while also offering versatility.<\/p>\n<p>Leeds have also been active in negotiations to sign a new midfielder, although they recently <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-transfers-harry-wilson-shea-charles-southampton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">saw a bid rejected<\/a> for Southampton youngster Shea Charles.<\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-vignette\">\n<div class=\"qz\">\n<div class=\"qz-content\">\n<div id=\"qend\">\n<p>You scored<\/p>\n<p>out of 20<\/p>\n<p>      <button class=\"e-replay\" onclick=\"startQuiz()\">\u21a9 Play again<\/button>\n    <\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p>Charles has impressed during his time at St Mary\u2019s despite a difficult season for the club overall, showing composure in possession, strong ball-winning ability and maturity beyond his years in the middle of the park.<\/p>\n<p>Leeds are understood to remain interested and in ongoing discussions with the Saints (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-transfers-harry-wilson-shea-charles-southampton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sky Sports<\/a>), but that rejection highlights the competitive midfield market they are operating in this summer.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card  article article-card small  no-badge  active-content                              \" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"leeds-transfers-harry-wilson-shea-charles-southampton\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<p>                                                                                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-transfers-harry-wilson-shea-charles-southampton\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n                        <img width=\"440\" height=\"248\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Fulham's Harry Wilson\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/fulham-s-harry-wilson.jpeg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=220&amp;h=124&amp;dpr=2\" src=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/fulham-s-harry-wilson.jpeg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=220&amp;h=124&amp;dpr=2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                    <\/a><\/p>\n<p>                    <span data-field=\"label\" class=\"article-card-label\"><label>Related<\/label><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-content regular article-block\">\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-transfers-harry-wilson-shea-charles-southampton\/\" title=\"Leeds in ongoing club-to-club talks to sign &#039;class&#039; player after Harry Wilson\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tLeeds in ongoing club-to-club talks to sign &#8216;class&#8217; player after Harry Wilson<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h5>\n<p class=\"display-card-excerpt\">Daniel Farke wants to add more quality.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>With attacking and midfield additions already in motion, attention has now turned to the goalkeeper position, where Leeds are assessing long-term options.<\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\" style=\"padding-bottom:50%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n                                                                                            <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 1023px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/><img width=\"1650\" height=\"826\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" src=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/james-trafford-manchester-city-premier-league.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Man City&#8217;s James Trafford, who has been regularly tipped to leave Eastlands after a bit-part role behind Gianluigi Donnarumma last season, is <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/better-signing-than-diomande-leeds-eye-club-record-deal-to-sign-trafford\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">believed to be on Leeds&#8217; radar<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>As well as the England international, it is believed that fellow Englishman Nick Pope has also been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-ready-to-make-transfer-move-nick-pope-premier-league\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">considered by the Elland Road hierarchy<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>However, as per reports from Italy, it is actually Parma star Zion Suzuki who is their priority target right now.<\/p>\n<p>    <!-- No AdsNinja v10 Client! --><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"leeds-in-talks-with-parma-over-deal-for-zion-suzuki\">\n                        <strong>Leeds in talks with Parma over deal for Zion Suzuki<\/strong><br \/>\n               <\/h2>\n<p>According to journalist Luca Cerchione, Leeds are now in talks with Serie A side Parma over a move for Japan star Zion Suzuki.<\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\" style=\"padding-bottom:50%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n                                                                                            <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 1023px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/><img width=\"1650\" height=\"826\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"zion-suzuki-japan\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" src=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/zion-suzuki-japan.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Cerchione <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/lucacerchione\/status\/2070642942004302137\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">reports<\/a> that negotiations are currently underway between the two clubs as Leeds explore the possibility of bringing the highly rated goalkeeper to Yorkshire.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"why-leeds-want-to-sign-zion-suzuki\">\n            <strong>Why Leeds want to sign Zion Suzuki<\/strong><br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p>Suzuki has been one of the standout young goalkeepers in Italy since joining Parma, earning a reputation for his shot-stopping ability, quick reflexes and growing confidence in dealing with high-pressure situations.<\/p>\n<p>Como scout <a href=\"https:\/\/x.com\/Ben_Mattinson_\/status\/1891431630864101457\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">Ben Mattinson<\/a> has previously called him &#8220;one of the most exciting keepers in Europe&#8221;, even despite being part of a struggling Parma side at times.<\/p>\n<p>The 23-year-old has also developed his distribution, becoming increasingly comfortable playing out from the back, a key requirement for modern Premier League goalkeepers.<\/p>\n<div class=\"body-img landscape \">\n<div class=\"responsive-img  image-expandable  img-article-item\" style=\"padding-bottom:50%\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG\" data-modal-id=\"single-image-modal\" data-modal-container-id=\"single-image-modal-container\" data-img-caption=\"&quot;&quot;\">\n                                                                                            <picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=500&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=800&amp;dpr=2\"\/><source media=\"(max-width: 1023px)\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" srcset=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/><img width=\"1650\" height=\"826\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Parma's Zion Suzuki in action with Napoli's Romelu Lukaku\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\" src=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/parma-s-zion-suzuki-in-action-with-napoli-s-romelu-lukaku.JPG?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=825&amp;dpr=2\"\/>\n        <\/picture>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Suzuki is currently representing Japan at the World Cup, where he has further enhanced his profile on the international stage.<\/p>\n<p>He has been part of a Japan squad that continues to impress on football\u2019s biggest stage, with Suzuki gaining valuable experience against elite opposition.<\/p>\n<p>Suzuki&#8217;s rise has been closely followed across Europe, particularly given earlier interest from the Premier League.<\/p>\n<h3 id=\"how-close-zion-suzuki-was-to-joining-man-united\">\n            <strong>How close Zion Suzuki was to joining Man United<\/strong><br \/>\n    <\/h3>\n<p>In 2023, Suzuki was widely reported to have been close to joining Man United before ultimately deciding against the move.<\/p>\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/talksport.com\/football\/2705141\/transfer-notebook-antony-manchester-united-zion-suzuki-evan-ferguson\/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\" target=\"_blank\">talkSPORT<\/a> report, the goalkeeper opted not to take a role as backup to Andr\u00e9 Onana at Old Trafford, choosing instead to continue his development on loan at Sint-Truiden.<\/p>\n<p>That decision has allowed Suzuki to establish himself more firmly as a first-choice goalkeeper, rather than risk limited opportunities at a major Premier League club.<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-card  article article-card small  no-badge  active-content                              \" data-include-community-rating=\"false\" id=\"best-signing-since-raphinha-leeds-transfer-talks-brandt\" data-nosnippet=\"\">\n<p>                                                                                                                            <a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/best-signing-since-raphinha-leeds-transfer-talks-brandt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n                        <img width=\"440\" height=\"248\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"raphinha-leeds-premier-league-orta-cuisance\" data-img-url=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raphinha-leeds-premier-league-orta-cuisance.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=220&amp;h=124&amp;dpr=2\" src=\"https:\/\/static0.footballfancastimages.com\/wordpress\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/raphinha-leeds-premier-league-orta-cuisance.jpg?q=49&amp;fit=crop&amp;w=220&amp;h=124&amp;dpr=2\"\/><\/p>\n<p>                    <\/a><\/p>\n<p>                    <span data-field=\"label\" class=\"article-card-label\"><label>Related<\/label><\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"w-display-card-content regular article-block\">\n<h5 class=\"display-card-title \">\n<p>\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/best-signing-since-raphinha-leeds-transfer-talks-brandt\/\" title=\"After Wilson: Leeds in talks to seal their best signing since Raphinha\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\tAfter Wilson: Leeds in talks to seal their best signing since Raphinha<br \/>\n\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t<\/h5>\n<p class=\"display-card-excerpt\">Leeds United are trying to land a top-level talent during the summer transfer window.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.footballfancast.com\/leeds-united-man-united-parma-zion-suzuki-talks\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leeds\u2019 summer transfer business continues to gather pace as Daniel Farke looks to strengthen key areas of his squad ahead of the new Premier League season. The Yorkshire club have already moved to secure the signing of Harry Wilson on a free transfer, adding proven top-flight experience and creativity in the final third after his [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":250386,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"tdm_status":"","tdm_grid_status":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[6808],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-250385","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-football"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250385","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=250385"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/250385\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/250386"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=250385"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=250385"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sports.runfyers.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=250385"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}