Major Transfer Twist As Leeds United Face Rivals For 29-Year-Old Serie A Star: Does Farke Need Him? | OneFootball

Reports out of Italy suggest Newcastle United are currently leading the race for Lorenzo Pellegrini. The Roma midfielder is a top target for the Magpies. Transfer expert Pete O’Rourke recently broke down the situation on the Transfer Insider podcast. He noted that the Italian international will likely leave his childhood club when his contract ends this summer.

Lorenzo Pellegrini’s Premier League Tug-of-War

Newcastle’s squad is thin due to a constant string of injuries, so the club are looking for reinforcements. Even so, they have tough competition from other English teams. These rivals see the massive value in getting an experienced playmaker for free. Leeds United are still very much in the mix. They have kept a close eye on Pellegrini since the summer window shut.

Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, he explained: “It was an interesting one when these reports from Italy came suggesting that Newcastle were leading the chase for Pellegrini.

“He could be a smart pick-up for Newcastle, or for any club, as a free agent at the end of the season.

“He’s got great experience, had good times at Roma, and is an Italian international as well.

“I’m sure it’ll be more than just Newcastle who’ll be looking at Pellegrini as a potential free transfer target come this summer transfer window as well.

“It does seem that he is looking likely to leave Roma. Newcastle will be looking to strengthen their squad because they’ve had so many injury problems, and the depth of the squad has been severely tested.

“Whether he’ll be a prime target for Newcastle, that remains to be seen. I think maybe they might be looking at other areas of the squad that they might be looking to strengthen in.

“But there’s no doubt Pellegrini is a quality player. He’s a creative player who can add goals and assists to any team that might be looking at him.

“I think the opportunity of a move to the Premier League is something that might be of interest to Pellegrini, having been linked with a move to England in the summer.

“I think it’ll be more than just Newcastle who could be interested in Pellegrini on a free this summer.” 

Can Farke beat the Magpies to the punch?

At 29, Lorenzo Pellegrini is at a major turning point in his career. He is now in the final months of his time with both the Italian national team and AS Roma. He has had a rocky start to the 2025/26 season and struggled to get on the pitch at first. But the midfielder has fought back into a key role. He has played 23 games this season and put up four goals by mid-February.

ROME, ITALY – FEBRUARY 09: Lorenzo Pellegrini of AS Roma in action during the Serie A match between AS Roma and Cagliari Calcio at Stadio Olimpico on February 09, 2026 in Rome, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

His technical skill is still top-tier. Pellegrini currently completes about 82% of his passes. Still, the fact that there’s no new contract on the table means his eleven-year run in Rome is coming to an end.

Does Daniel Farke need him?

Leeds United clearly need someone like him. He would be the link between their hard-working midfield and the attackers. Daniel Farke brought in players like Anton Stach last summer to steady the ship, but the team still lack a true “number ten” with Pellegrini’s leadership and scoring record.

Newcastle United have the money and are still in the race for European football next season, which are big draw. On the flip side, Leeds United can promise him a starring role in Farke’s system. The Whites have to stay in the Premier League first, before pitching a project where he is the main man. If they can do that, he might just pick Elland Road over a spot on the bench at St James’ Park.