Leeds United potentially have a huge summer on their hands under Daniel Farke, especially if they were to complete the job and secure promotion from the Championship.
The Whites are in pole position to end their two-year top-flight exile, sitting top of the table with just eight games remaining – whilst also having the best run-in of any side in the title race.
Should they replicate their form from the last few months, there’s no denying Farke will add a third promotion to his CV, but he would face his biggest task in management should he achieve the feat.
Staying in the Premier League after promotion now looks a huge ask given the failures of other clubs in recent years, looking almost certain that all three sides who went up last time around are to drop back down.
Recruitment is vital for any chance of maintaining their top division status, with the hierarchy needing to back the manager, leading to one name already being touted with a move to Elland Road.
Leeds targeting summer move for £20m talent
According to TEAMtalk, Leeds are one of multiple sides plotting a summer move for Rangers midfielder Nicolas Raskin should they be a Premier League outfit in 2025/26.
The 24-year-old also has admirers from Aston Villa and Brentford, with the Whites potentially facing a battle for his signature in the summer should they want to complete a deal for his services.
The report claims the Scottish side value the Belgian international at around £20m, a figure undoubtedly bolstered by his national team debut during the current international break.
Raskin has made 39 appearances across all competitions in 2024/25, registering two goals and six assists from his central midfield role, whilst also posting solid defensive numbers – winning 4.3 tackles per 90 this campaign.
Whilst it may appear like a hefty fee for a player in a non-top five league, but he possesses some serious talent, potentially being a better option than another player touted with a move to Yorkshire.
Why Raskin would be better than Phillips for Leeds
Kalvin Phillips has been touted with a fairytale return to Leeds this summer, three years after leaving his boyhood side in a £45m deal to join Manchester City to further his career.
However, his move to the Etihad has been nothing short of a disaster, making just 31 appearances for Pep Guardiola’s men, subsequently being sent out on separate spells to West Ham and Ipswich Town.
He’s currently spending the campaign on loan at the latter, but has once again struggled to make an impact, with a move back to Yorkshire potentially getting his career back on track.
However, City are also demanding £20m for his signature, a figure that may be too high given his lack of impact in recent years, with the club needing to put their focus in Raskin as a result.
When comparing the pair’s respective stats from 2024/25, the Belgian has outperformed Phillips in various key areas, further adding to the argument as to why they should steer clear of any reunion.
Games played
26
17
Goals & assists
6
0
Progressive carries
1.2
0.3
Pass accuracy
82%
80%
Take-ons completed
0.7
0.3
Tackles won
4.3
2.5
Interceptions made
1.7
1.2
Aerials won
1.7
0.5
Raskin, who’s previously been dubbed “superb” by Sky Sports’ Michael Bridge, has registered more progressive carries per 90, whilst also completing more of the passes he’s attempted – highlighting his impressive ability in possession.
He’s also managed to win more tackles per 90, whilst posting more interceptions made per game, showcasing his excellent ball-winning capabilities, making him the perfect box-to-box midfielder in Farke’s system.
Whilst it would be another pricey addition for the 49ers this summer, it’s one that needs to be made to hand the club the best possible chance of survival should they achieve promotion.
Phillips will remain a modern-day club icon after his previous stint in Yorkshire, but his lack of form since his move is a cause for concern, with the hierarchy needing to act with their head instead of their heart this summer – subsequently targeting Raskin over the former fan-favourite.
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