Adam Forshaw was the first Leeds United player to greet new signing Marc Roca during his medical at Thorp Arch earlier today. Roca was announced as the Whites’ third addition of the summer earlier this evening, joining from Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
The 25-year-old has penned a four-year-deal at Elland Road and arrives for a fee in the region of £12 million. Roca is Leeds’ first central midfield signing in over four years, which incidentally was Forshaw, who joined from Middlesbrough while Leeds were still in the Championship.
Of course, the Whites’ first summer arrival Brenden Aaronson could be classed as a midfielder, though he will be playing in a far more advanced role than Roca is likely to, which is where Leeds struggled last season in the absence of Kalvin Phillips. With pre-season having not yet commenced, it is perhaps a surprise to see players in and around the training ground at this time of year.
READ MORE: 'Pinch me' - Leeds United supporters react as Marc Roca's arrival from Bayern Munich is confirmed
But Forshaw is clearly eager to ensure he is ready to hit the ground running once it does start after missing the last few weeks of the season with injury. Roca will be providing Forshaw with an added bit of competition in the engine room this season, but that did not stop the 30-year-old from making the new signing instantly feel welcome during his first day as a Leeds player.
Forshaw will certainly have a big role to play in the upcoming season after his impressive return from a two-year injury lay-off. The Whites showed their confidence in him by agreeing a new 18-month deal in January, but competition for places is likely to be much healthier come August 6.
