Leeds United’s pursuit of a new left-winger to replace Manor Solomon has become one of the most pressing stories of their summer transfer window. After an impressive season in which he played a key role in Leeds’ promotion to the Premier League, Solomon’s departure to Tottenham Hotspur left a void on the left side of the attack. His departure was a blow to Leeds, given that he scored the title-winning goal and contributed directly to 23 goals last season. The winger’s ability to create, assist, and score made him one of Leeds’ most important players, and his absence is keenly felt in their squad. However, with his return to Tottenham in search of more regular first-team football, Leeds have been scrambling to find a suitable replacement.

While the club has focused on other key areas this summer, such as reinforcing the defense and midfield, the left-wing position remains unaddressed. They have brought in a replacement for Junior Firpo and made other signings, but nothing has materialized on the left side of attack. Without a proper replacement for Solomon, the current situation at Leeds is far from ideal. The Whites are left with only three wingers, none of whom are natural left-sided players that can contribute at the level Solomon did. This lack of depth on the left wing is a glaring gap in an otherwise well-rounded squad, and the club must act quickly if they want to avoid a serious weakness in their lineup for the upcoming season.

One of the most notable names that has come up in connection with Leeds is Jeremie Boga, the Ivorian winger currently at OGC Nice. Boga is a player with considerable experience in Europe’s top leagues, having spent several seasons in Serie A with Sassuolo before moving to Nice. The 26-year-old is a pacey, dynamic winger who thrives on the left side of the attack, making him a perfect candidate to fill the void left by Solomon. His dribbling skills, ability to take on defenders, and sharp eye for a pass would give Leeds a much-needed offensive spark.

Reports emerged earlier in the summer that Leeds had tabled a £13 million bid for Boga, with the club hoping to secure his signature before any other suitors had the chance to move in. The bid showed that Leeds were serious about finding a replacement for Solomon, but things have not been as straightforward as they hoped. While Leeds were hoping to sign Boga, the competition for his signature has intensified, and now Sunderland, another club promoted to the Premier League alongside Leeds, has entered the fray. The fact that Sunderland is reportedly interested in Boga is no surprise, as both clubs will be vying for similar types of players to bolster their squads after earning promotion to the top flight. However, what has been surprising is the way Sunderland has gone about its business in the transfer market.

Over the past few weeks, Sunderland has been making a habit of swooping in for Leeds’ targets. The most notable example came when Leeds made a £22 million bid for midfielder Habib Diarra, only for Sunderland to steal a march and sign him instead. Similarly, Leeds had expressed interest in Noah Sadiki, but Sunderland ended up securing the 21-year-old for £17.5 million. These moves have left Leeds fans frustrated, as they feel that Sunderland is effectively picking off the players that Leeds had already targeted. The situation is even more complicated because Sunderland has proven adept at making quick and decisive moves, while Leeds’ pursuit of some targets has been slower and more drawn out.

This transfer strategy of Sunderland seems to be based on monitoring Leeds’ list of targets and jumping ahead to sign players before Leeds can complete negotiations. It’s a strategy that has caught many off guard, and it’s certainly frustrating for Leeds fans who expected their club to be more competitive in the transfer market. Given that Sunderland has already beaten Leeds to a number of key players, it seems that Leeds’ targets have become a focal point for the Black Cats as they continue their own recruitment drive.

But the situation has become even more complicated with the involvement of Trabzonspor, a Turkish club that has reportedly joined the race for Boga’s signature. According to reports from Takvim, Trabzonspor has made a bid for the winger, believed to be in the range of £7 million to £7.75 million, with the added enticement of a lucrative wage offer. Despite failing to qualify for European football this season, Trabzonspor is offering a competitive financial package, making it an attractive option for Boga. This development further complicates Leeds’ pursuit of Boga, as they now face competition from not just Sunderland but also a Turkish club with deep pockets and a strong desire to sign the player.

For Boga, this represents an interesting decision. On one hand, the allure of playing in the Premier League with a team like Leeds, a club that has returned to the top flight after a long absence, is a tempting prospect. Leeds offer the opportunity to play in one of the world’s most competitive leagues, with the chance to prove himself at the highest level. On the other hand, Trabzonspor offers the promise of a big financial package, as well as the opportunity to help a club break into the upper echelons of Turkish football, a league traditionally dominated by Galatasaray, Besiktas, and Fenerbahce.

For Leeds, the pressure is mounting. The left-wing position is one of their most urgent needs, and missing out on Boga would be a significant setback in their bid to replace Solomon. The lack of depth in the attacking positions is something that could hurt Leeds throughout the season, especially in the Premier League, where competition is fierce and teams often rely on having strength in depth. The need to replace Solomon with a player of similar quality is paramount, and Boga fits that bill. However, Leeds have now found themselves in a battle against Sunderland and Trabzonspor, both of whom are keen to sign the winger.

It is clear that Leeds United cannot afford to be passive in this situation. The club’s strategy must be to act quickly and decisively in order to secure Boga’s signature before any other club can make a move. With Sunderland already stealing a march on them in the transfer market and Trabzonspor offering a financial package that might be hard to refuse, Leeds must put forward a compelling offer that will persuade Boga to join them.

At the same time, Leeds must also be prepared to pivot and consider other options if they miss out on Boga. The summer transfer window is still open for a few more weeks, and there are plenty of other talented wingers who could step in and fill the void left by Solomon. However, the longer Leeds wait to address this need, the more vulnerable they will be in terms of squad depth. Missing out on Boga would be a blow, but it is not the end of the road for Leeds in their pursuit of attacking reinforcements.

Ultimately, the next few weeks will be crucial for Leeds as they look to finalize their summer transfer business. The club must act swiftly if they want to ensure they start the new season with a balanced squad that can compete at the highest level. The race for Jeremie Boga is just one part of that process, but it could be one of the most important signings of Leeds’ summer. If they can secure his services, they’ll have a player who can contribute immediately and help fill the void left by Solomon. If not, they will need to quickly turn their attention elsewhere and find another solution. Time is of the essence, and the outcome of this transfer saga could play a significant role in how successful Leeds’ Premier League return will be.