EDITORIAL USE ONLY No use with unauthorised audio, video, data, fixture lists (outside the EU), club/league logos or "live" services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images (+15 in extra time). No use to emulate moving images. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications/services. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Simon Davies/ProSports/Shutterstock (12683919d) Corner flag during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Burnley at Elland Road, Leeds Leeds United v Burnley, Premier League - 02 Jan 2022
According to Ben Jacobs, Leeds United would “like to move” to make a free agency signing at left-back if the “right opportunity arose.”
The CBS journalist told GIVEMESPORT (9 September) that the Whites had “resigned themselves” to potentially sticking with what they’ve got until January if they couldn’t secure a loan before the window closed, but he predicts a “flurry of movements” as other transfer windows close and “surprise opportunities” arise.
Junior Firpo is the squad’s sole specialist left-back and is only just getting back to full health, while Sam Byram has been a competent stand-in since his return from Norwich but has also been injured.
“Leeds knew in the final days of the window that they needed left-back cover, but now that the European window has closed, their options are limited,” Jacobs added.
“It’s not just about bringing someone in for the sake of bringing someone in. The good news is that Junior Firpo has stated that he is fit and will return, but there is still not a lot of cover there.
“Of course, Leeds would like to move if the right opportunity arose, and the beauty of the free agency market is that it can be quite cost-effective.”
“However, there are no indications that anything is close at this point, despite the fact that windows are closing and players are looking to finalise their moves in the free agency market as a result.” I believe there will be a rush of activity.
“When I say windows closing, it’s obviously not referring to the free agency market, but it could be referring to some options becoming available who are currently tied down and end up leaving their current club.”
“As we saw with Kasper Schmeichel, whose contract with Nice was mutually terminated, unexpected opportunities in free agency can still exist.”
“But Leeds kind of resigned themselves at the end of the European window to the fact that if they didn’t bring in a loan option, they might have to stick with what they’ve got until at least January and hope Firpo can get fit.”
Availability
Despite signing a striker, a right-back, three midfielders, a centre-back, a winger and a goalkeeper this summer, the club appears to have been barking up the wrong tree in their hopes of bringing in either Charlie Taylor from Burnley or Luke Thomas from Leicester City.
Firpo has yet to play in the Championship, so whether his form is more solid in the second division has to be seen, but his frequent lack of availability is cause for concern among White supporters.
There aren’t going to be many world-beaters available on the free agency market this late in the day, but a reliable alternative with a decent fitness record should be examined.
Byram’s arrival on a free transfer has demonstrated the importance of filling areas of need with released players, and if it weren’t for his personal injury history, there would likely be no need to sign anyone at the position.
Jamie Shackleton has also filled in admirably thus far, but as a converted midfielder and general utility player, he may not be enough in the important games this season.
Stuart Dallas might have been the solution a few years ago, but his comeback from a broken leg sustained the previous season is still unknown.
So, if there’s a good deal to be got in the following few weeks, it’s definitely worth taking them to Elland Road.
