Despite Leeds United’s positive start to the season, there is still work to do in the transfer market. The Whites have picked up four points from their opening two matches and will probably feel it should be even more after squandering a two-goal lead at Southampton on Saturday.
Leeds have enjoyed a positive transfer window so far and on the whole, look like they have a stronger squad than last season. There are still, though, two positions that need addressing, and the need to strengthen was arguably heightened after the game at St. Mary’s.
Left back
In Junior Firpo’s absence, Pascal Struijk has been the man tasked with filling in at left back in the opening two matches. While he is capable of doing a job there, it is clear that it is not a position that comes natural to him.
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Firpo is not expected to be fit until the end of this month and with four games in nine days to come, Leeds could do with bringing someone in capable of stepping straight in. Philadelphia Union’s Kai Wagner appears to be the main target based on various reports that have emerged in recent days.
Wagner is strong going forward and would provide a low-cost option for Leeds to improve their options in that role. He is widely regarded as MLS’ best left back and perhaps to Leeds’ advantage, is well into his season at Philadelphia meaning he would not have to play catch-up from the match fitness side of things.
This should be a deal Leeds look to get wrapped up as soon as possible.
Striker
This is a position Leeds seemingly appear to be taking their time on after losing out on priority target Charles de Ketelaere to AC Milan. Marsch has repeatedly insisted to the media they are continuing to ‘evaluate’ the market as they look to ensure whoever comes in is the perfect profile.
That said, Leeds’ need to strengthen was intensified on Saturday as Patrick Bamford limped off in the first half. Joe Gelhardt was also not available to come off the bench after picking up a dead leg in training and so it was back to last season’s debacle of Daniel James up front.
A bit like Struijk at left back, James can do a job every now and then but it is clear it’s not his strongest position. Links to strikers have been relatively sparse in recent weeks, though Che Adams and Martin Terrier are names that are repeatedly cropping up.
Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins is another player to emerge as an option over the weekend, but it remains to be seen how that one develops.
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