Report: £32m offer knocked back in Leeds striker pursuit | OneFootball

Leeds United’s £32m Bid for Rodrigo Muniz Rejected by Fulham

Leeds United’s ambition to bolster their attack for the upcoming campaign has suffered an early setback after Fulham rejected their £32 million offer for striker Rodrigo Muniz. The approach, which included £26m upfront and a further £6m in add-ons, was turned down by the west London club, according to The Standard.

Fulham Stand Firm on Key Asset

“Muniz is considered by the Fulham board as one of the club’s most valuable assets,” The Standard reports, with club officials reluctant to sell the 24-year-old Brazilian despite interest from multiple clubs, including West Ham in January. While they have not ruled out a sale entirely, Fulham are said to only be open to offers they consider “too good to refuse.”

The forward’s value has risen notably after his performances in the 2024/25 season. Muniz managed eight Premier League goals from just eight starts in 31 appearances, often deputising behind veteran Raul Jimenez. He also contributed significantly to Fulham’s FA Cup run, netting three times in four games en route to the quarter-finals.

Leeds Eye Top-Class Striker for Promotion Push

Leeds are intent on adding Premier League-quality firepower as they gear up for another Championship campaign, with promotion back to the top flight their clear objective. Their pursuit of Muniz signals serious intent, but with Fulham unwilling to part ways just yet, Daniel Farke’s recruitment team are expected to “move on to other targets,” The Standard confirms.

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Fulham Exploring Options Despite Current Depth

Interestingly, Fulham are not standing still in the striker market either. Even with Muniz and Jimenez still on their books, the club is reportedly “tracking a number of striker targets” ahead of the new Premier League season. This suggests a willingness to refresh or reinforce the attacking line, regardless of whether their Brazilian forward stays or goes.

Muniz’s Value on the Rise

Since joining Fulham from Flamengo in 2021, Muniz has notched 26 goals in 97 matches for the club across all competitions. With Premier League goalscoring form and growing suitor interest, it’s no surprise Fulham are holding firm.

His profile—youthful, proven in England, and still with development potential—makes him a desirable asset for clubs looking for long-term impact. Leeds’ interest may have been rebuffed this time, but it likely won’t be the last time a bid lands for the striker.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

From a Leeds United supporter’s point of view, this failed pursuit is frustrating but not surprising. The £32 million bid reflects the club’s recognition of the kind of quality needed to survive in the Premier League. Rodrigo Muniz ticks many of the boxes—a proven goalscorer in limited Premier League minutes, only 24 years old, and with the physicality to thrive in England.

Yet, it also reflects a risk: investing heavily in a player who has yet to start regularly over a full top-flight season. Fulham’s rejection signals either a higher valuation or intent to build around him. For Leeds, that likely means shifting attention to alternatives, perhaps within the Premier League’s fringes or top-tier European leagues, where value might stretch further.

Some fans might question whether £32m could be better spent across multiple positions. Others will admire the ambition shown. But one thing is clear—Leeds are not passive in the market, and that alone should give supporters hope for a strong 2025/26 campaign.