Leeds United Chat • The #LUFC Breakfast Debate (Friday 12th August) - Leeds unlikely to sign a left back
Good Morning. It's Friday 12th August, and here are the latest headlines from Elland Road...
Leeds unlikely to sign a left back
During his latest Q and A session, Elland Road journalist Beren Cross has stated that Leeds are unlikely to sign another left-back during this transfer window. The No 3 slot has been a constant problem for the Whites ever since Charlie Taylor departed for Turf Moor back in 2017. Leeds have tried a variety of players, but without long term success.
Leeds thought their prayers had been answered when they signed Junior Firpo from Barcelona last Summer for £12m, but injuries, and inconsistent performances soon put that premise to bed. The former Spain U21 International was sidelined once again last month after a promising start to pre-season. This prompted the ER hierarchy to be on the lookout for a back-up player, but with Firpo now back in training, it looks increasingly unlikely that Leeds will invest in another left back, especially when Pascal Struijk has looked solid in that position over the last couple of games (Cagliari and Wolves). According to Cross...
A left-back seems even less likely. There have been no credible links to anyone in the market and the closer we get to deadline day the closer we get to Junior Firpo’s return, which will be an irresistible carrot for the board, who evidently feel comfortable with Pascal Struijk as a back-up for the season.
Kalimuendo off to Rennes
PSG have confirmed that Arnaud Kalimuendo will be moving to Rennes this summer. The talented young Striker had been on Victor Orta's shopping list for a while, but Leeds never really showed any urgency to get the deal completed, indicating that their interest was lukewarm at best.
There is no doubt, that at only 20 years old, Kalimuendo has all the attributes to make it as a top marksman, but in the here and now, Jesse Marsch is prepared to bide his time. Money is not the issue; media reports indicate that Andrea Radrizzani has a war chest of £40m reserved for the right player!
Leeds to swoop for LA star?
Ecuadorian sporting media outlet Bola VIP have claimed that Leeds have made a £5m bid for Ecuadorian International Jose Cifuentes. The box to box midfielder currently applies his trade with Los Angeles FC in the MLS League, where he scored six goals and provided five assists last season. Napoli, Leicester City and Brighton & Hove Albion are all believed to be tracking the gifted 23yo, but it is Leeds who have struck first with an offer! If true, can we assume that Mateusz Klich will be on his way out of Elland Road in the next fortnight?
