Leeds United transfer news: Whites make enquiry for attacking midfielder from Italy

George Dempsey
10 June 2024

Reggiana's Natan Girma linked with Leeds United

According to reports, Leeds United are looking to address the glaring lack of central creativity by signing a 22-year-old attacking midfielder from Italy.

The local press in Bologna has reported that Leeds United have enquired about a move for Regianna attacking midfielder Natan Girma.

Daniel Farke’s side have begun enquiring to strengthen their squad and retain key players ahead of next season, with a natural attacking midfielder one priority.

Girma, 22, made 26 appearances in Italy’s Serie B last season and scored five goals in his first full season in senior football.

Like Sweden and Newcastle’s Alexander Isak, the Swiss-born prospect would join an exclusive club as a footballer of Eritrean descent playing in the top tiers of English football.

Reggiana are rumoured to value their prized asset in the ballpark of £2.5-3.5 million, which is pocket money for Leeds United’s wealthy backers.

Girma may be seen as a left-field choice with Premier League loanees and experienced Championship players available this summer, yet he looks like an exciting talent.

As demonstrated in the video below, the 6-foot-2 midfielder is a powerful yet graceful runner with the ball at his feet, and it’s fair to say he has an eye for a pass.

Natan Girma - 23/24 pic.twitter.com/VCdkXxDRR5
— Eritrean Football (@EritraweyanFTBL) May 14, 2024

That’ll be music to the ears of a fanbase who have been crying out for an intelligent passer ever since Pablo Hernandez left the club in 2021.

A combination of Georginio Rutter, Joel Piroe and sometimes Crysencio Summerville have tried to fill the void this season, but despite their class, they aren’t of the Hernandez mould.

However, Leeds aren’t the only club rumoured to be interested, with Watford, Serie A suitors and numerous other scouting departments aware of Girma’s potential.