Graham Smyth has dropped a major Leeds United transfer update that will surely have fans buzzing.
What’s the story?
While EURO 2020 may be what’s dominating the headlines at the moment, work behind-the-scenes at Elland Road continues to go on as Victor Orta looks to strengthen Marcelo Bielsa’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.
And, writing for The Yorkshire Evening Post, Smyth has outlined what Leeds are looking out for this summer and even a time-frame on when potential deals could be completed.
He said: “Leeds United want a left-back, a central midfielder and a winger. No deals are imminent just yet. The Whites are quietly confident of landing their number one target when it comes to the left-back and are working towards that deal now, although face competition.
“There are options for the central midfield slot, including a permanent transfer and a loan deal, but Fulham’s Harrison Reed, one of the most recent names to be linked with an Elland Road move, is not on the list of likely targets. Leeds hope to get the midfielder done relatively quickly.
“The signing of a winger may go a little further into the window, which doesn’t close until August 31, with potential market movement elsewhere still to fall into place and a final decision to be taken on who it is Leeds want to fill that vacancy. Noa Lang is a player well liked by Leeds after a stellar season for Club Brugge and one of those among their possible targets. Adding to the first team is the priority for Orta and his recruitment team and the financial outlay of that business will then dictate what they do in terms of Under 23s additions.”
Fans will be buzzing
Smyth’s update that Leeds are eyeing up three new signings in the key areas that arguably were Bielsa’s weakest or most disappointing areas of the squad will surely have fans buzzing.
While Gjanni Alioski could be set to stay, a new first-team left-back would certainly be a major upgrade on someone who was inconsistent for large parts of the Premier League campaign last season.
And, in central midfield, the Whites could desperately do with either cover or some competition for Kalvin Philllips, with the Leeds talisman’s absence being keenly felt – they won just twice in the nine top-flight games that he missed.
While out wide, even though Jack Harrison and Raphinha in particular enjoyed outstanding campaigns – the Brazilian bagged six goals and nine assists in his first season in English football – extra strength in depth could go a long way.
The likes of Helder Costa struggled to make a real impression when given a chance in the first-team, so a move for a new winger would ease Bielsa’s worries over any potential injuries to his star widemen.
Aside from the new potential arrivals, Whites fans will also be buzzing with Smyth’s claim that Leeds are “quietly confident” of landing their no.1 left-back target, and that a deal for a midfielder could be done “relatively quickly”.
It bodes incredibly well for their chances of performing next season if they can sign the players at the top of their list, and quickly enough for them to join pre-season and help them hit the ground running.
It’s exactly why Leeds supporters will be delighted with Smyth’s transfer update.
Meanwhile, Marcelo Bielsa would be furious with this unforgivable Leeds mistake…
