Leeds United are wasting no time in preparing for their Premier League return, with Sky Sports News understanding that Everton striker Beto has emerged as a prime target in what promises to be a summer of aggressive recruitment at Elland Road.
Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett revealed on Wednesday that Leeds—fresh from winning the Championship title—are ready to test Everton’s resolve with an approach for the 6ft 4in Portuguese frontman. With a war chest in excess of £100m, the Whites are determined to avoid another short-lived top-flight stay, and Beto is seen as a player who could add Premier League muscle to their forward line.
The Yorkshire outfit are moving quickly to identify players with top-flight pedigree. Manager Daniel Farke is understood to be prioritising a reliable central striker amid ongoing doubts over Joel Piroe’s adaptation to Premier League intensity, and persistent injury setbacks for Patrick Bamford.
Beto, 27, has endured a mixed spell on Merseyside since arriving from Udinese for £25m last summer. He has netted seven Premier League goals this season – but has struggled to consistently influence games, often rotating in and out of Everton’s starting XI.
Yet Leeds believe Beto’s physicality, aerial strength and hold-up play could thrive under Farke’s high-tempo, pressing style. He remains under contract at Goodison Park until 2027, and any deal would likely require a fee that recoups much of Everton’s initial outlay.
Everton’s Summer of Change
Leeds’ interest arrives at a pivotal time for Everton. With 15 players out of contract this summer, Moyes is preparing for what he’s described as a “huge reorganisation.” While the financial shackles that plagued previous windows have been eased by the Friedkin Group’s takeover, the club is still looking to streamline the squad and reinvest wisely.
Veterans like Seamus Coleman and Ashley Young may stay on in mentorship roles, but others—Michael Keane among them—look set to depart, with offers mooted from both MLS and the Saudi Pro League. Loanees such as Jack Harrison are hopeful of sealing permanent stays, and his future could even be linked to any potential Beto negotiations.
Moyes is also casting his eye over striking alternatives, with interest in Ipswich Town’s Liam Delap and Brighton’s Evan Ferguson as a long-term project, and murmurs of a sensational return for Richarlison still simmering.
