Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa. It’s claimed Leeds have sent a scout to Dublin this week.
United’s pursuit of Shea Charles looks to have come up short after the club left a final offer with Southampton in July. Instead, he’s edging closer to a move across the Premier League to Fulham.
That leaves Leeds potentially exploring other options to add further depth to the midfield slots behind Ethan Ampadu and Anton Stach.
Leeds United send scout to watch Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa vs Arsenal, scores absolute screamer
A report from Mundo Betis this week claimed that Leeds are one of multiple Premier League clubs interested in Real Betis midfielder Nelson Deossa.
The 26-year-old Colombian has proven to be a very effective ball-winner over in La Liga. Featuring 20 times, he helped Betis qualify for the Champions League.
It’s also claimed that Leeds are one of the clubs with a scout stationed in Dublin for Betis’ pre-season friendly against Premier League champions Arsenal.
At the time of writing, there’s 85 minutes gone in this game. Betis are 3-1 up against the reigning English champions. Amongst the goalscorers incidentally was Deossa, and what a goal it was.
He shaped up from 30 yards out and unleashed an incredible strike into the top corner, leaving Kepa completely helpless.
Nelson Deossa…what a hit! 😱😱
Real Betis double their lead over Arsenal with a stunning strike and Mikel Arteta doesn’t look happy 🌴 pic.twitter.com/4J5QnjOury
— Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) August 5, 2026
Interestingly, Deossa has been deployed up front in this game, where he then assisted Pablo Fornals for Betis’ third. At 6ft1in, and with a left foot like that, you can hardly blame Manuel Pellegrini for testing him out as a striker.
Should Leeds United pursue Nelson Deossa as new midfield signing?
If that strike is anything to go by, he’s clearly got a spectacular goal in his locker. But, he’s yet to score a competitive goal for Betis, so it’s not something he’s got a knack for.
He does, however, appear to be a very strong ball-winner. Deossa boasts 60.3% ground duel success and 71.1% aerial duel success (Fotmob).
Not only that, but he’s seemingly quite effective at retaining possession too, completing 3.55 dribbles per 90 at a 78.4% success rate.
It’s not smart to judge solely off stats of course. That said, someone strong in duels and good at carrying the ball would be a viable alternative to Charles.
I’m not expecting that Deossa is a player of firm interest, though. However, tonight’s evidence might impress any scouts watching on, including our supposed representative.
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