Leeds United: Contrasting reports emerge surrounding Glen Kamara and his replacement

Leeds United midfielder Glen Kamara is reportedly edging closer to a move to Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais, with conflicting reports emerging that the Whites have already sourced his replacement in Joe Rothwell.

Kamara has only been in West Yorkshire for one season, with the fee to bring the midfielder to Leeds being confirmed by The Athletic’s Phil Hay at around the £5 million mark and has proved to be a real bargain, given his experience at international level, and with Rangers in the Champions League as well.

He proved to be a successful signing during his first season with the club, starting 33 of the 37 league games he featured in. That meant that he played more minutes at the base of Leeds’ midfield than any other player in the squad, with Ilia Gruev a substitute more often than not, and both Archie Gray and Ethan Ampadu required in the defensive line at different stages in the season.

The sale of Gray since then may have eased any major PSR concerns, but that doesn’t mean further departures won’t follow with key players of last year still potential sales during the summer window. Kamara is thought to be one of those.

Ligue 1 side Stade Rennais have taken an interest in his services, as first outlined by L’Equipe. Leeds are in a strong negotiating position with Kamara – and could demand a sizeable fee for the midfielder – which could make it difficult for Rennes to get a deal over the line this summer despite their status as a top-flight side.

However, they aren’t the only side interested in Kamara. Brighton and Hove Albion have spoken to Leeds about the possibility of recruiting both Willy Gnonto and Kamara in recent weeks, according to TBR Football.

It’s a tough one with Kamara, as he’s quite visibly an important midfielder to this Leeds setup, and someone that shouldn’t be sold in typical circumstances. He has been a quietly excellent addition to Leeds’ midfield, especially if he is paired alongside Ampadu or Gruev as part of a double-pivot.

Kamara is a very dependable player at this level, but is still replaceable, albeit challenging. For many Leeds fans, continuity is needed in the spine of Leeds’ team and Kamara adds what is needed in that sense for Leeds and Daniel Farke in 2024/25.

The good news is that it appears Leeds will source a replacement if he leaves, and the figures being banded around would represent pure PSR profit for the Whites, and it’s likely that it could be banked to find a capable alternative at a lower price.