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“Leeds United on the Verge of Signing £25m Champions League Star to Replace Joe Rothwell
The upcoming summer transfer window at Leeds United, whether they achieve promotion or not, is likely to focus on retaining their talented squad.
Manager Daniel Farke has already stated that any potential permanent deals for Manor Solomon and Joe Rothwell will be postponed until Leeds’ promotion status is confirmed.
Together, the Tottenham and Bournemouth loanees would likely cost the Championship leaders over £20 million.
The same applies to Junior Firpo’s contract extension. Currently earning around £60,000 a week, the in-form and increasingly prolific Firpo is likely to be too costly for a team on a Championship budget.
In short, Leeds may need promotion to keep Solomon, Rothwell, Firpo, and other key players who are drawing interest from wealthier clubs.
Joe Rothwell’s Future at Leeds United
While keeping Solomon is likely to be a priority for Leeds, the situation with Joe Rothwell is less clear. At 30 years old, the experienced midfielder’s future is uncertain.
Leeds United sources have reported that AFC Bournemouth values Rothwell at £7.5 million, a significant sum for a player entering his 30s, especially after struggling to make an impact in the Premier League with the Cherries.
Ardon Jashari: A Potential Replacement
Three years after Ardon Jashari was first linked with a move to Leeds, the Swiss international put in a standout performance in the Champions League, showing why he should still be on Leeds’ radar.
Ludo Vandewalle of Het Nieuwsblad was full of praise for Jashari after his dominant performance in Club Brugge’s 3-1 loss to Aston Villa in the Champions League last-16.
Jashari impressed both offensively and defensively, winning every duel and creating several opportunities.
Despite the loss, Club Brugge outperformed Villa in many areas, including shots, possession, and passes.
Jashari, in particular, was a standout, completing 91% of his passes and even embarrassing Youri Tielemans with a moment of skill that drew cheers from the crowd. He also completed the most dribbles for Club Brugge in the game.
At just 22 years old, Jashari has long been tipped to replace Granit Xhaka in the Swiss national team.
His ability to control the midfield, distribute incisive passes, and break defensive lines makes him an attractive option for Leeds as a potential Rothwell replacement.
His ability to carry the ball from deep mirrors Rothwell’s unique qualities in Leeds’ midfield.
Jashari’s Price Tag
Jashari won’t come cheap, with reports suggesting that top Italian clubs like Juventus, Napoli, and Atalanta are eyeing him, and Club Brugge values him at £25 million.
If he continues to develop, Jashari could even become the most expensive sale in the club’s history.
For Leeds, investing in Jashari would require significant funds, but given his age and potential, it could be a more sensible long-term investment than securing Rothwell for £7.5 million.
At nearly a decade younger than Rothwell, Jashari offers not only sporting potential but also greater resale value in the future.
