Reports have claimed that Leeds United are targeting Anderlecht left-back Sergio Gomez this summer. Much was made of the club's desire to strengthen in January but they failed to add any more quality to the side, leaving the squad stretched due to their injury crisis.
However, it is understood that Leeds are hoping to continue their cycle of signing young players and developing them after journalist James Marshment revealed that the Whites are keeping a close eye on the 21-year-old. A number of Premier League clubs are also supposedly tracking his progress.
Leeds have also been linked with Isaiah Jones and Djed Spence as they look to bolster their full-back options at the end of the season. But Gomez, who joined Anderlecht on a four-year deal in 2021, is firmly on the Whites' radar and here is a profile of the talented youngster.
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What has he done so far?
After coming through the ranks at Barcelona, Gomez made his senior debut with the reserves in January 2018, coming on as a second-half substitute against Real Zaragoza. Gomez went on to make just one more Segunda División appearance before he signed for Borussia Dortmund later that month.
Gomez struggled for regular first-team game time at the German giants, playing just eight minutes across three-and-a-half seasons. However, a successful two-year loan spell at Spanish side Huesca proved to be important in Gomez's development, as he helped win to promotion back to La Liga.
Upon his return to Dortmund, Gomez decided to move to Anderlecht in June 2021 on a permanent deal. The Badalona-born defender has stood out in the Belgian Pro League this season, scoring six goals and grabbing 14 assists in 41 games across all competitions.
He has also been capped over 50 times for Spain's youth teams and is currently in the Under 21s squad for their European Championship Qualifying matches against Lithuania and Slovenia. Gomez also won the Silver Ball at the U17 World Cup, with Manchester City's Phil Foden named as the tournament's best player.
Why would Leeds want him?
An attacking left-back, Gomez has been likened to Jordi Alba and Andrew Robertson's style of play. He can operate as a winger or as a full-back, which gives him the license to get forward and create chances, while providing defensive protection and security in that position.
Arguably Gomez's biggest strength is his passing and crossing ability. The youngster has recorded an assist every three games this term and averages 52.6 passes per match, with 1.8 of those deemed as key. He also completes 1.5 crosses each game and is superb at getting to the byline and conjuring up opportunities.
Out of possession, Gomez is also very effective. He has averaged 1.5 tackles, 1.1 clearances and 1.4 interceptions per game this season. However, one weakness to the 23-year-old is his physical strength, which would surely improve if he moved to a Premier League club in Leeds this summer.
For a young, attack-minded left-back, some would think the defensive side of Gomez's game is still raw and needing improvement. While in some aspects that is correct, Gomez is actually a very good defender in and around his own 18-yard box. His excellent reading of how the play develops means he is rarely caught out, with him not frequently being accused of ball-watching.
Junior Firpo has failed to impress since his £13million move from Barcelona last summer and the Whites could do with adding more quality in that area at the end of the campaign. Although Gomez has no experience in English football, he has the attributes to flourish and may be an astute addition should Leeds strike up a reasonable fee given his age and profile.
What has been said about him?
Anderlecht manager Vincent Kompany has praised Gomez's mental attitude to react from mistakes. This could be something that may benefit him in the Premier League and the former Manchester City defender is hoping he can continue his development.
Speaking in January, he said: "Sergio Gomez, in particular, experienced the first difficult moment of his Anderlecht period. Yes, it was a mistake that had consequences. But that's part of the life of a football player.
"We're talking about a championship match. It could have happened in the semi-finals of the World Cup. Sergio has the necessary mentality to improve after such a mistake.
"He is not here only for his talent, he also convinced us with his mental abilities. It will only be a step in his apprenticeship."
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