Leeds United must reignite 2024 bid for ‘best player at the Club World Cup’ to replace Manor Solomon

Leeds United confirmed the news that all had been expecting anyway on Tuesday afternoon, that Manor Solomon would return to Tottenham Hotspur following his Elland Road loan spell.

Solomon had dropped hints during the second half of last season and even after his title-winning goal at Plymouth, that he would join Leeds permanently. Certainly, if Leeds won promotion to the top tier.

But with Spurs boasting Champions League football and a new manager in Thomas Frank, Solomon has told Spurs he would like a second chance. Frank is keen to take a look at Solomon during pre-season.

Leeds remain interested in Solomon despite the announcement and it is a deal that could be done later in the window. But for now, Leeds need to start considering replacements, and should be a Colombian.

Back in 2024, Leeds reportedly tabled £12m for South American

Dan James and Willy Gnonto will continue to battle it out on the right but Largie Ramazani is raw and the belief is he is not ready for Premier League starts, week in, week out. Leeds need a real game changer.

They would find that, in Fluminense’s Jhon Arias. Leeds have been regularly linked with the Colombia ace over the last couple of seasons. Last summer, Leeds are said to have tabled £12.7m to sign winger Arias.

Fluminense beat Inter Milan to reach the Club World Cup quarter-finals despite an old side that includes Thiago Silva, 37-year-old German Cano who scored against Inter and 44-year-old goalkeeper Fabio.

But Arias is the gem in Fluminense’s side. A goal and an assist have come in his four Club World Cup games, Arias was the star of the show against Inter, slamming a 25-yard effort against Inter Milan’s post.

Leeds have to go back in for Jhon Arias, but interest is high

If Leeds want a real match winner to replace Solomon, Arias is perfect. He has a contract until 2028 with his current side but after four years and 227 games with Fluminense, the 27-year-old needs a change.

Certainly, before it is too late and he misses the chance to crack Europe. Atletico Madrid and West Ham have been linked with Arias but if he wants a Premier League club where he starts, Leeds is just that.

Brazilian site Globo Esporte say Arias has been the ‘best player at the Club World Cup’ and Leeds need to take advantage by reigniting their 2024 offer and bringing Colombian ace Arias to Yorkshire this summer.