Leeds Eyeing Move to Sign ‘The Next Kante’ Valentin Atangana

Leeds United have set their sights on fighting off competition from Premier League rivals for the signing of Valentin Atangana after the Reims star has worked his way onto the radar of boss Daniel Farke and Elland Road recruitment chiefs as they go in search of reinforcements, GIVEMESPORT sources have revealed.

Having been determined to complete early business to give themselves the best possible chance of maintaining their top flight status after winning the Championship title, the Whites have moved to within touching distance of completing the acquisition of Jaka Bijol as the Udinese centre-back has been undergoing medical tests this week.

Lukas Nmecha has also penned a two-year deal to join when his contract at Wolfsburg expires at the end of the month, but Farke wants to show further ambition in the transfer market and is eyeing Atangana despite being in danger of having to get involved in a bidding war for his signature.

Whites Made Aware of Atangana’s Availability

Central midfielder up for grabs after ending season with relegation

Leeds are interested in winning the race to sign Atangana after he has emerged as a brand new target this summer, according to GMS sources, and Farke has been made aware of his availability due to current employers Reims failing to stave off relegation from Ligue 1 during the 2024/25 campaign.

There have been suggestions that the French side are open to sanctioning the teenage talent’s departure for in the region of £9million as they count the costs of dropping out of the top flight, which has caught the attention of the Whites and numerous Premier League counterparts in the early stages of the transfer window.

GMS sources have been informed that Leeds are keeping tabs on Atangana’s situation, having seen him become a regular starter in his current surroundings, and they are contemplating whether to up the ante by entering negotiations in an attempt to steal a march on other suitors.

The 19-year-old has been described as ‘the next N’Golo Kante’ and, with Farke looking to make his side even more difficult for opponents to break down as they prepare to return to the Premier League, there is a possibility that he will be handed the chance to seal a switch to Elland Road.

But Leeds are at risk of facing stiff competition from Premier League rivals as GMS sources have learned that West Ham United and Burnley are also keen on Atangana, while Crystal Palace and Everton have asked to be kept in the loop over his situation as Reims go in search of finding a buyer.

Atangana Ready to Test Himself at Next Level

France under-21 international highly-rated thanks to his athleticism

GMS sources have been told that Atangana is being seen as an athletic, ball-winning central midfielder who is ready to test himself at a better level after impressing in a struggling side during the 2024/25 campaign, leading to Leeds considering giving him an opportunity to head to the Premier League for the first time in his career.

The two-cap France under-21 international is on a contract which allows him to pocket less than £7,500-per-week, resulting in Farke already being aware that the Whites will have no issues meeting his personal demands if they formalise their interest by negotiating a fee with Reims.

Atangana is increasingly likely to move onto pastures new in the aftermath of suffering relegation, GMS sources understand, and Leeds are among a host of Premier League sides to have been put on red alert as they aim to upgrade their respective squads in preparation for next season.

Related

Exclusive: Birmingham Keen to Sign Leeds Forward, He’s Free to Leave

Exclusive: Birmingham City are eyeing a move for a Leeds United forward who’s free to leave.

The 2022 Under-17 European Championships winner is not the only option on the Yorkshire giants’ radar as they seek improvements in the middle of the park because GMS sources recently revealed that they are on course to discover what it would take to land Douglas Luiz from Juventus.

All statistics courtesy of Sofascore – correct as of 20/06/2025

Sign up to The GIVEMESPORT Report to get exclusive daily updates from Fabrizio Romano, Ben Jacobs, Dean Jones and Tom Bogert sent straight to your inbox