Leeds United line up transfer solution in problem position as exit paves way for more spending - YEP 26/7/22
Leeds United head coach Jesse Marsch admitted during the team’s tour of Australia that they were in the market for a left-back
By Joe Donnohue
Marsch stated during the final leg of the squad’s pre-season
tour that Leeds were ‘actively pursuing’ a new left-back.
The head coach then selected Jack Harrison in that position
for the 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace in Perth, sparing 22-year-old Leif Davis
who had all but agreed a permanent transfer to Ipswich Town.
It is likely Marsch omitted Davis so not to jeopardise the
youngster’s transfer which was confirmed on Monday evening for an undisclosed
fee believed to be in the region of £1 million.
Leeds’ only recognised, senior left-back at the club is
Junior Firpo who is expected to miss the opening weeks of the season through
injury.
Marsch left the Spaniard at home ahead of the team’s
Australia tour after Firpo picked up a knock which the American said would keep
him sidelined for ‘eight weeks’.
Consequently, the remaining options at Marsch’s disposal
without dipping into the market are somewhat imperfect.
Jack Harrison featured at left-back during United’s
pre-season tour, however the player is keen to appear in a more attacking role.
Leo Hjelde is another option in that position having played
there for Ross County whilst on loan from Celtic two seasons ago.
Nominally a centre-half, Hjelde has filled in at left-back
on occasion for the Under-23 side and senior squad, but opting for the
Norwegian in the long-term is unlikely to appease supporters who have long
identified left-back as a problem position.
Pascal Struijk is the other alternative in Marsch’s squad
currently, although much like Marcelo Bielsa’s experimentation using the Dutchman
in defensive midfield, fielding Struijk at left-back has found his attributes
better served as a central defender.
With Liam McCarron having left the club permanently this
summer, Firpo injured and the stop-gap trio all relatively unconvincing, the logical
choice would be to enter the market once more.
Permitting Davis to leave Elland Road does indicate there is
a plan in place, particularly given Marsch’s admission the club are in active
pursuit of a left-back.
As with the rest of their business, Leeds will be keen to
tie up a deal for a new left-back in the coming days before August 6th and the
beginning of the new Premier League season.
