Matt Grimes, a midfielder for Swansea City, reportedly had attention from Leeds United this month, but the 28-year-old chose to sign a new contract instead.
Before the end of the summer, the Whites need to fill more than a few roles with new hires, but they are still no closer to doing so.
The addition of Ethan Ampadu to the midfield has substantially improved the team’s quality, but he still needs additional aid there.
Leeds rejected Matt Grimes?
According to Football Insider, Matt Grimes, the standout player for Swansea City, has signed a new contract in South Wales that will keep him with the team for the foreseeable future.
As mentioned above, rumors have suggested that Grimes will follow manager Russell Martin to St. Mary’s and join the Saints, however journalist Pete O’Rourke has stated that Leeds were also interested in the midfielder.
With this new contract, Grimes rejects the opportunity to return to Leeds after a disastrous loan season with the team in 2016–17.
Grimes has rejected interest from Leeds and Southampton to stay at Swansea. New four-year deal for the Swansea skipper.#SwanseaCity #LUFC #SaintsFC https://t.co/Q8zMiEBUcI
— Pete O'Rourke (@SportsPeteO) August 18, 2023
Fans will remember that Grimes’ time at Elland Road ended bitterly with social media messages that appeared to be from his mother, “buzzing” that her son was leaving “that place with horrid fans.”
Grimes would never come along with us.
His time under Monk in 16/17 was just enough to convince him that he would never want to return to Leeds, unless it were to win three points for Swansea, which his team wildly celebrated in 19/20.
He would be best served by remaining at Swansea, where he is currently playing at his greatest level and establishing himself as one of the division’s top midfielders.
Undoubtedly a non-starter.