Leeds United confirm Connor Roberts signing as details of Whites' first January transfer revealed — YEP 1/2/24
Leeds United have confirmed their first addition of the 2024 January transfer window with the signing of Connor Roberts on loan from Premier League side Burnley.
By Joe Donnohue
Leeds have announced their long-awaited first arrival of the
winter transfer window with the capture of 28-year-old Welsh international
defender Connor Roberts until the end of the season.
Roberts has signed on a straight loan deal from the Clarets
as he looks to secure promotions from the Championship in consecutive seasons.
The right-back was named in the division's Team of the Season last term as
Burnley romped to the title, but has found regular minutes harder to come by
under Vincent Kompany following the team's return to the top flight.
A former Swansea City academy product, Roberts is an
established international with Wales having been capped by his country more
than 50 times. He arrives at Elland Road with vast experience and promotion
pedigree.
"It's something that I could basically not turn down, I
think, when a club the size of Leeds comes calling and wants you to contribute
to hopefully something really special come the end of the season," Roberts
said upon signing for Leeds.
"I just want to be here with this massive club and
contribute in every way I can.
"I think I've got a lot of experience compared to a lot
of lads in this squad. Off the back of last season, knowing what it takes to
get out this league and in seasons before as well, I've been right up there
with Swansea."
Leeds' January window has seen several players exit,
including first-team duo Luke Ayling and Djed Spence, both of whom feature
predominantly at right-back. United have deployed teenager Archie Gray in that
role since the beginning of October, however supporters have grown concerned at
the lack of depth in that particular position as the Whites continue to chase
down the automatic promotion places.
Roberts' loan deal includes no option to buy, however the
player is open to a longer commitment at Elland Road, having expressed his
long-held desire to represent the club.
The Welshman cannot feature for Leeds until Saturday,
February 10 when Rotherham United visit Elland Road. Roberts needed to have
been registered by midday on transfer deadline day to be eligible against
Bristol City this weekend and is also unable to play against Plymouth Argyle in
United's FA Cup Fourth Round replay next Tuesday as he was not a Leeds player
at the time of the initial tie.