Reported Leeds United Target Marked As Surplus To Requirements At Inter Milan: What Should Farke Do? | OneFootball

If a recent report from the Italian outlet Tuttosport is believed to be true, rumoured Leeds United target Mehdi Taremi has been labelled as surplus to requirements at Inter Milan. New boss Cristian Chivu does not consider him in his long-term plans, thus alerting the Whites, who are ahead of fellow Premier League outfit Fulham, as revealed by journalist Orazio Accomando a couple of weeks back.

The 33-year-old Iran international progressed through the academy ranks of Bargh Bushehr and Iranjavan before being roped in by Shahin Bushehr back in his homeland. After a few senior appearances for the latter, Taremi returned to Iranjavan and showcased his exquisite scoring traits in the second tier. He then enjoyed his time in the top-flight of Iran and Qatar with Persepolis and Al-Gharafa before plying his trade in Portugal with Rio Ave.

MILAN, ITALY – MAY 18: Mario Gila of SS Lazio is pressured by Mehdi Taremi of FC Internazionale during the Serie A match between FC Internazionale and SS Lazio at Stadio Giuseppe Meazza on May 18, 2025, in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Marco Luzzani/Getty Images)

Following a 21-goal campaign with the Portuguese side, league giants Porto snapped him up for €4.72m in the summer of 2020. The Iranian was an instant success at Estádio do Dragão, firing 91 times in 182 outings over the next four campaigns. But he left them last summer in favour of a Bosman switch to Inter Milan.

However, it has not worked out for Taremi in the Nerazzurri colours, as he only netted thrice and assisted 9 goals in 43 appearances across competitions. The veteran ‘number 9’ mostly operated as the understudy to Lautaro Martinez, and often featured as a second striker to make way for the Argentine hitman. Yet he was utilised extensively by Simone Inzaghi, unlike his successor, since the Club World Cup in June.

Should Leeds United Step Up The Chase?

Having rejected an offer from the Brazilian outfit Botafogo in favour of a transfer to the Premier League, Taremi must wait for Leeds United to knock on Inter’s door. Daniel Farke’s men made a winning start as they defeated Everton 1-0, thanks to a late spot-kick from summer recruit Lukas Nmecha.

The Whites have Joel Piroe and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who are expected to challenge each other for the starting spot. Nmecha could be deployed as a ‘super sub’ similar to the Toffees’ tie, and the gaffer must now decide whether to opt for the experienced striking ace. Piroe’s lack of top-flight exposure and Calvert-Lewin’s persistent injury problems justify Leeds’ interest in the iconic Iranian.