Leeds United eye ambitious Fulham transfer - club-record hurdle looms though | OneFootball

Leeds United would have to spend a club-record fee to acquire the Fulham star's services

Leeds United are reportedly plotting a move for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz this summer.

The 24-year-old scored 11 times for the Premier League outfit in all competitions last season, helping the Cottagers finish 11th in the top-flight.

Muniz has been at the west London club for four years, after joining from Brazilian side Flamengo in August 2021.

Leeds United eyeing up Rodrigo Muniz transfer but there is a clear financial hurdle

As the Whites look to bolster their attack ahead of the 2025/26 Premier League campaign, Muniz has been outlined as a potential candidate.

The Athletic reported that Leeds United have made enquiries about the striker’s services, and sources close to the club acknowledge the interest.

Pete O'Rourke has reaffirmed that notion via X, stating that the Whites are targeting a big-money move for the Brazilian striker this summer.

Fulham value their asset at a whopping £50 million as per Dean Jones on X, which would require Leeds to smash their previous transfer record, currently held by Georginio Rutter’s £35.5 million fee.

Muniz has one season remaining on his current deal at Craven Cottage, but Fulham do have the option to extend that by an extra year.

Jones suggests that Marco Silva’s side could look to offer the striker an improved contract this summer, to fend off the likes of Leeds United who are keen to secure the forward’s services.

Muniz played backup to Raul Jimenez last term and only made eight league starts, which could be a potential factor in whether the marksman decides to leave the Cottagers in the transfer window.

Muniz would be a statement signing for Leeds United if a deal is done

The past two Premier League seasons have seen the three sides promoted from the Championship suffer relegation back down to the second-tier immediately.

However, Leeds will hope to use their statute in the game and ambitious ownership to cement their place in the top-flight once more.

Taking a proven hitman from a fellow Premier League outfit for a club-record fee would certainly affirm the Whites’ intention to remain in the division and give them an instant leg-up on the other promoted sides.

A reliable goalscorer can be the difference between survival and relegation in the top-flight, and two double-digit campaigns make Muniz’s CV rather impressive.

This return is even more commendable due to the fact Jimenez has been the preferred option to lead the line, limiting the number of starts Muniz has enjoyed.

Given a consistent run in a Premier League starting 11 could provide the Brazilian striker with a chance to develop his game even further and subsequently boost Leeds United’s chance of survival tenfold.