GOOD NEWS:Leeds United Launch Ambitious Bid to Sign Fulham Striker Rodrigo Muniz
Leeds United have made a significant move in the summer transfer market by submitting an official bid for Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz. The Whites are keen to bolster their attacking options ahead of the new campaign, with the Brazilian forward identified as a key target by manager Daniel Farke.
Muniz, who impressed for Fulham in the Premier League with his physical presence and eye for goal, has attracted interest from several clubs, but it is Leeds who have made the first serious approach. Sources suggest the initial bid was immediately rejected, with Fulham determined to keep hold of the 23-year-old, whom they view as a vital part of Marco Silva’s plans.
Despite Fulham’s reluctance to sell, Leeds remain hopeful of pushing through a deal and are preparing an improved offer. With the club aiming for promotion and a return to the Premier League, landing a proven top-flight striker like Muniz would mark a major statement of intent. Negotiations are expected to continue in the coming days.
ANOTHER SIGNING
Leeds United can land their next Raphinha with cut-price deal suddenly on the table
Daniel Farke and the 49ers will be aiming to replicate signings like Raphinha’s arrival at Elland Road.
Everyone now knows the name Raphinha in the footballing world, but it was actually Victor Orta’s rare brilliance that discovered the Brazilian gem for just £17m.
Of course, since his £55m exit to Barcelona, the winger can be considered one of the best players in the world, with Thierry Henry tipping Raphinha for the Ballon d’Or.
He’s shining over in Spain, but his time at Leeds made him the player he is today after his tenure under Marcelo Bielsa’s guidance.
Now, Daniel Farke hopes to do the same, and there is a bargain transfer waiting in the wings that must be sanctioned by the 49ers, and a familiar transfer fee comes to mind.
Georges Mikautadze during Manchester United v Olympique Lyonnais in the Europa League.
Photo by Molly Darlington/Copa/Getty Images
Leeds can land cut-price deal for Lyon’s Georges Mikautadze
The recent announcement around football was the confirmed relegation of French side Lyon to Ligue 2.
It certainly took many by surprise, but now is the time for clubs to act following the unfortunate outcome for Lyon.
This is due to the team from France having a plethora of gems in their squad, as Nicolo Tagliafico has been mooted for a move to Leeds.
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He’s not the only one though, as fans are desperate for Georges Mikautadze, as the Georgian was on fire during his first season in Lyon.
The 24-year-old attacker saw 36 goal contributions for club and country across the campaign, and now Leeds have been handed a boost in making fans’ dreams become a reality.
According to the Print Edition of Corriere dello Sport (26/06/25), the player’s pricetag, which was initially set at £25m, could now drop to just £17m.
Funnily enough, Mikautadze’s asking price matches the one that brought Raphinha to Yorkshire, and now they can do it all over again.
READ MORE: How close Leeds United are to signing Habib Diarra after Fabrizio Romano bombshell
How Leeds will be landing their next Raphinha with Mikautadze
For just £17m to have a player like the Georgian in the team would be astonishing.
Farke’s hope of replicating Raphinha’s move could now be firmly on, and the price tag isn’t the only factor in why both players are so similar.
When Raphinha arrived from Rennes, he was a 23-year-old with a lot of promise, showing why he’s one of the best around now.
Raphinha actually almost rejected Leeds, finding it tough to leave Rennes, but he will be glad he did, and Mikautadze might hope to do the same after Lyon’s relegation.
With Raphinha a similar age to Mikautadze when he left, it’s interesting to see the comparison of both players are from their seasons in Ligue 1.
Raphinha for Rennes in 19/20 season -aged 23 Mikautadze for Lyon in 24/25 season – aged 24
Games played 22 34
Goal involvements 8 (5G+3A) 17 (11G+6A)
Touches in opposition box 84 123
Chances created 42 21
Successful dribbles per 90 2.60 1.07
There are certainly similarities, as both can occupy a spot on the wing or play up front, showing how Mikautadze’s versatility could also emulate Raphinha, as their playstyles strike a resemblance as well, through their ability to get in the box efficiently.
There are so many factors that point to Mikautadze’s signing being an absolute steal for Leeds, and the signs are there that the 49ers can finally bring the spi
rit of Raphinha back to Elland Road.
