Daniel Farke is reportedly keen on adding wide players to strengthen Leeds United’s squad.
Leeds United are reportedly one of three Championship clubs with a ‘concrete interest’ in Burnley winger Manuel Benson. Benson has struggled for first-team opportunities at Burnley over the past year and was an unused substitute in their 4-1 victory at Luton Town. With the 27-year-old falling down the pecking order under new manager Scott Parker, a move could be on the cards.
Leeds remains focused on bolstering their wide options, having shown interest in Norwich City’s Jonathan Rowe and previously linked with Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, who is now headed to Sheffield United. According to The Express, Leeds are currently ‘weighing up’ a potential move for Benson.
The report indicates that Burnley may face serious offers for Manuel Benson in the final two weeks of the transfer window, with Championship promotion contenders Norwich and Sunderland also expressing interest. Norwich’s search for a winger has intensified, particularly amid ongoing speculation regarding Jonathan Rowe, who has been linked to Leeds and will miss Saturday’s match against Blackburn Rovers after being sidelined by manager Johannes Hoff Thorup.
Although Benson has struggled for playing time over the past year, the Belgium-born winger had a strong debut season at Turf Moor. After his €4 million (around £3.4 million) move from Royal Antwerp in 2022, he thrived under former manager Vincent Kompany, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 33 league appearances, contributing to Burnley’s Championship title win.
Several of Benson’s goals closely resembled what became Crysencio Summerville’s signature move last season, though Benson executed them from the opposite side. The winger would cut in from the right and curl impressive shots into the far corner with his left foot. He achieved this in consecutive games in April, earning significant praise from then-manager Vincent Kompany.
“It’s not a coincidence; it’s a skill he’s got,” said the Clarets manager at the time. “I can’t be handing out solutions on how to deal with him, but it’s something he’s been doing since he was a kid. He’s comfortable with it, and he will score goals that way. What he’s done for us is fantastic, and from our side, that’s all we want.”
Leeds are now in the market for a successor to Crysencio Summerville, following his £25 million-plus transfer to West Ham United. The club has the flexibility to replace him on either wing, with Wilfried Gnonto capable of switching between the left and right flanks as needed. Brenden Aaronson can also play on the right, so adding depth on the left to compete with Dan James could be a smart move.
It’s uncertain whether Leeds will turn their interest in Benson into a formal offer, but Burnley might be reluctant to sell to a direct Championship promotion rival unless the fee is compelling. Leeds manager Daniel Farke has made it clear that the Whites won’t be pressured into overpaying for their targets, but this stance could be challenged as the August 30 deadline approaches. Leeds not only need replacements for Crysencio Summerville and Georginio Rutter, who seems poised to join Brighton, but also require additional cover in central midfield and at full-back.