EXCLUSIVE: Leeds looking to seal bargain signing of former defender on a free this summer as Daniel Farke looks to add more experience and squad depth at Elland Road
Leeds United are strongly interested in a move to sign Burnley left-back Charlie Taylor in the summer, and he is set to be out of contract after this season is up.
Leeds’ transfer plans largely depend on what happens in the next week or so, with promotion on the line in the Championship alongside Ipswich Town. However, the 49ers surely have plans in place already to get moves formulated on either front if the club go up or stay down.
Full-back reunions were a strong topic in the summer after relegation for Leeds, with Sam Byram signed on a free from Norwich City, both reunited with the club and his former Canaries boss Daniel Farke. Max Aarons was a target as well before he headed to Bournemouth in the top flight, but on the left side of defence, former Leeds academy graduate Charlie Taylor was a target.
Recently promoted with Burnley, The Athletic reported that Leeds wanted to bring the 30-year-old back to Elland Road, but were rebuffed by the Clarets, who were without many options after failing to re-sign Ian Maatsen.
As mentioned above, a lot of what Leeds look to do in the transfer market depends on whether they are promoted to the Premier League or not.
However, wise squad-building would suggest that the odd signing to bulk the main group with experience is required, as Byram was in the summer of 2023. Therefore, someone of Taylor’s quality and experience could be great for Leeds going into the 24/25 season, regardless of the division.
In the Championship, he’d walk into most in the league, and in the top flight, he’d be solid depth behind a more ambitious signing.
Taylor is out of contract in the summer and with Burnley’s possible relegation, it may prompt a younger rebuild that they are already well on their way with under Vincent Kompany.
For no cost, there wouldn’t be many better value-for-money left-backs in Leeds’ wage budget.
