Leeds scouts have been hit by Liverpool and Everton targets with comparisons to De Bruyne
Leeds United scouts are taking a closer look at the 18-year-old sensation who Liverpool and Everton have been eyeing for years, with Whites officials very impressed with what they have seen.
Leeds will face Chelsea in the semi-finals of the FA Cup
Leeds will face Chelsea at Wembley on Sunday afternoon in one of the most important days in the club's recent history.
Daniel Farke's side have not reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup since 1987, and have found their place on the national stage the hard way – going out on penalties against West Ham in the quarter-finals after being sent off after taking a two-goal lead at the London Stadium.
If they beat Chelsea, who are on the hunt for a new manager after sacking Liam Rosenior, the Yorkshire side will reach their first FA Cup final since 1973, and claim their first major piece of silverware since winning the First Division title in 1992 – just before it was renamed to the Premier League.
Leeds could be without a 'key player' for Chelsea's semi-final after missing training
The Whites could reach their first FA Cup final since the 1970s.
Leeds have secured their top-flight status after a stunning return to form recently, which included back-to-back wins against Man United and Wolves before a surprise draw at Europe-chasing Bournemouth.
With safety more likely than not, the FA Cup run added a layer of genuine excitement to what could have been a straightforward end to the season.
Leeds can also qualify for Europe by lifting the trophy at Wembley, so Farke's side have everything to play for.
Off the field, the club is already thinking ahead, and one name that has caught the eye of their scouts is worth knowing about.
Leeds scouts have been beaten by Genk striker Konstantinos Karetsas
TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey reports that Leeds are among the clubs to make a bid for Genk youngster Konstantinos Karetsas.
Leeds scouts watched the player and came away very impressed with his skill, vision and maturity – which have been highlighted time and time again as qualities that stand out in such a young player.
Karetsas was born in Genk and attended the club's academy before joining Anderlecht, returning to his hometown in January 2023.
He now represents Greece at international level, having switched to Belgium, and made history in March 2025 when he became the youngest goalscorer in the history of the Greek national team – netting against Scotland in a United Nations qualifier aged just 17.
This season he has registered 18 assists in all competitions, making him one of the most interesting young players in Belgium.
Interest in him is understandably high.
TEAMtalk also claim that Chelsea and their BlueCo ownership group are long-time favourites, with a history of recruiting from Genk.
Bailey says there is a view that Karetsas could follow a similar path to De Bruyne as a result.
Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Marseille have also been tracking him, while Liverpool and Everton are said to have a long-term interest. Brighton and Brentford, two clubs with strong records of identifying young European talent at a fair price, are also in the picture alongside City Football Group.
Karetsas is expected to leave Genk this summer, setting up what could be a competitive race in the summer.
Whether Leeds finally push hard for a move or find themselves priced out remains to be seen.
However, for now, there is a more pressing issue. At Wembley on Sunday, Chelsea stand in the way, with a place in the FA Cup final up for grabs.
The Wolves star now wants to join Leeds after “good talks” about Brighton
He could be their first summer signing.
