Leeds United face Crystal Palace transfer battle for 26-year-old | OneFootball

Leeds United are set to face competition from Crystal Palace in the race to sign a defender from Europe this summer

Leeds United face competition from Crystal Palace and Torino in the race to sign Gent centre-back Jordan Torunarigha.

According to German outlet Bild, the centre-back is attracting plenty of interest following his impressive performances last season.

The left-sided defender is in demand, having helped Gent achieve a seventh place finish in the Belgian Pro League last season.

He featured 24 times in the league, making 21 starts, having cemented himself as a key part of the Gent first team squad (all stats from Fbref).

Torunarigha has just one year remaining on his current contract, meaning the Belgian outfit may look to cash in this summer in order to avoid losing him for nothing in 2025.

Leeds United eye Jordan Torunarigha

It has been reported that Leeds are one of the teams interested in signing the 26-year-old this summer.

But it has now emerged that the Whites will face strong competition in the race to his signature, with Crystal Palace among the clubs monitoring the situation.

Italian side Torino are also interested in the defender, with Hoffenheim having been previously linked with a move as well.

It has been claimed that any deal involving Torunarigha could cost as little as €2.5 to 3 (£2.1 to 2.5) million, with his contract situation likely playing a key role in this valuation.

Torunarigha has been with Gent since 2022, having joined from Bundesliga side Hertha Berlin after an initial loan spell at the club.

The 26-year-old has also been recognised at international level, earning his debut for Nigeria in 2023.

But it remains to be seen what the defender’s preference will be for the next step in his career.

Torunarigha has made 60 league appearances in the Belgian top flight since making the initial move to Gent, having also played 73 times in the Bundesliga from his time at Hertha Berlin, having come through the ranks of the German club’s academy system.

Leeds United’s transfer plans

Torunarigha’s arrival at Elland Road would likely see him partnered with Joe Rodon, who completed the permanent switch to Leeds after spending the year on loan at the club.

A £10 million fee was agreed with Tottenham Hotspur as part of the move, with Archie Gray going in the other direction for a reported £40 million.

Speculation has surrounded the likes of Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto, but it is understood that the Yorkshire outfit are in no rush to cash in on either player.

Leeds have until 30 August to complete any further signings before the summer window shuts.

Jordan Torunarigha would be a great partner for Rodon

Getting Rodon back in the door at Elland Road was a great bit of business for Leeds given how important he was last season.

Adding another centre-back would be a sensible next step due to their lack of strong options in that area, and a left-sided player like Torunarigha could be a shrewd addition.

Given the fee could be as low as £2.1 to 2.5 million, this could be a really smart move, as long as they can win the race to his signature.

The defender has built up a lot of top flight experience already in his career, and is still only 26, making this an exciting prospective signing.