Serie A Duo Join The Race For This Rumoured Leeds United Target: Should They Step Up The Chase? | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Italian outlet Tuttomercatoweb is believed to be true, Leeds United now have competition for Riccardo Sottil. They have been linked with the out-of-favour Fiorentina winger recently, but now face competition from Torino and Sassuolo, thus jeopardising a potential move to Elland Road, considering the opportunity to stay in Serie A.

The 26-year-old former Italy youth international progressed through the academy ranks of Genoa, Torino and Fiorentina before breaking into the latter’s senior squad in September 2018. He spent the second half of the 2018-19 season on loan at Pescara in the second division and was reintegrated into the Violets’ first team in the following campaign.

However, the lack of senior minutes resulted in another loan, this time with fellow top-flight outfit Cagliari. The Islanders opted against making the transfer permanent, and the wide attacking ace returned to his parent club ahead of the 2021–22 season. He was involved sporadically till last year, but joined AC Milan on a temporary switch after falling down the pecking order in Florence.

Why He Has Emerged As A Transfer Target

A disappointing stint with no goal-bound contribution in 8 appearances, Sottil failed to secure a long-term future with the Rossoneri. He does not have a future at Stadio Artemio Franchi, and Leeds United, yet to find Manor Solomon’s successor down the left, have identified the Azzurri winger as one of the potential alternatives after missing out on Igor Paixao, who snubbed them in favour of Olympique Marseille.

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 19: Riccardo Sottil of ACF Fiorentina in action during the Serie A match between Fiorentina and Torino at Stadio Artemio Franchi on January 19, 2025 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Gabriele Maltinti/Getty Images)

The Premier League newcomers have bolstered their defensive third and midfield setup by recruiting Lucas Perri, Jaka Bijol, Sebastiaan Bornauw, Gabriel Gudmundsson, Sean Longstaff and Anton Stach; however, their attack still lacks depth and quality, with Lukas Nmecha, roped in on a Bosman, being the only new arrival high up the pitch.

Should Leeds United Step Up The Chase?

While Solomon has returned to Tottenham Hotspur after an exquisite loan spell containing 10 goals and 12 assists in 39 Championship fixtures, the Peacocks are only left with Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto, and Largie Ramazani as wide forwards. They need someone to replicate the Israeli wideman’s numbers, and Sottil, despite his shooting traits, cut-insides, dribbling and directness from the left, might not be a viable option as Solomon’s replacement.

The Fiorentina forward has only scored and assisted 15 times each in 138 appearances [stats via Transfermarket] for his current employers, and his lack of conversion could become a concern for the West Yorkshire giants. Daniel Farke must be desperate for survival, having failed to do so with Norwich City on two occasions, and therefore, must explore other names unless they are after Sottil as a squad player for his flexibility across the frontline.