Florentino Luis helped Benfica lift the Portuguese Super Cup last season (Image credit: Google)
According to Tutto Mercato (h/t Leeds Live), Leeds United are leading the race to sign Benfica youngster Florentino Luis this summer.
The report claims that the Portuguese youngster is valued at £25m and has a desire to play in England. However, the Whites could face competition to secure his services as league rivals Fulham and Serie A giants AC Milan are also interested in signing him.
Born in Portugal, Luis started his career with Tercena and Real SC before joining Benfica’s youth system in 2010. He was a regular member of the club’s youth side and helped them reach the finals of the UEFA Youth League in the 2016/17 campaign.
He made his senior debut in the 2018/19 campaign when he came on as a substitute in the game against Nacional in the league. Since then, he has gone from strength to strength and was a part of the side which won the league title. He also helped them lift the Portuguese Super Cup title last season.
At the international level, he was instrumental in Portugal’s U17 European Championship win in 2016 and also helped the U19 side win the competition two years later.
Marcelo Bielsa has managed to make bring in several new faces to the squad ahead of their return to the top-flight. However, he should also look to strengthen the midfield. At the moment, Kalvin Phillips is the only recognized defensive midfielder available at the manager’s disposal.
Ouasim Buoy and Conor Shaughnessy have failed to establish themselves in the squad and don’t seem to have a future at Elland Road. And Leeds were left without a proper backup for Phillips when the Englishman was injured towards the end of last season. Thus, a defensive midfielder is a must this summer.
In that regard, Luis would be a suitable option for the club. The youngster has been in good form in the last couple of seasons and has shown immense potential.
The 21-year-old could definitely add depth to the midfield and would also bring in healthy competition to Phillips for the first-choice defensive midfield spot. And under the guidance of Bielsa, he could go on to develop himself into a Premier League material.
With limited options in the middle of the park, it is clear that the Whites are in need of defensive midfielders as a backup for Phillips. And Luis could provide them with the depth. He could also go on to represent them in the long run as he is just 21 and has a huge future ahead of him. Thus, signing him would be a wise move by the club.
