With so much uncertainty in the position right now, Phil Hay has urged Daniel Farke to sign a left-back in the January transfer window at Leeds United.
The Athletic journalist stated on The Square Ball podcast (18 December) that it will be difficult to find the right candidate, but it is a position that Leeds needs to strengthen with Sam Byram and Junior Firpo currently out injured.
Farke has been forced to adapt due to injuries and a lack of options, with Archie Gray forced to play at right-back and Djed Spence returning from injury to play left-back in their last two games against Sunderland and Coventry.
Hay responded to Dan Moylan‘s outburst that the Whites must sign a left back in January on The Square Ball podcast (21:53sec), saying, “Absolutely sign left-back, I think that has to be done.”
“No excuses,” Moylan responded, “because I know they thought between Firpo, Byram, and Jamie Shackleton to cover that position, but we saw Spence there on the left-back at the weekend (v Coventry).” Isn’t it obvious that it’s not quite enough?
“We need somebody in there who is fit, reliable, whatever it might be, please just sign a left-back.”
“I think I’m a bit more realistic in the number ten position in that, it’s not easy to go out and get players like that, and I’m not saying it’s easy to get left-backs as we’ve seen over the years at Leeds United, that they seem to be incapable of signing good left-backs more often than not,” Hay said, referring to a possible signing.
“But that is a position they really need to cover.”
Difficult
Of course, drastic changes aren’t required in this squad, but a couple of new faces could go a long way.
Leeds are still navigating without a true tried and tested left-back, with the number 10 role also coming under scrutiny at various points throughout the season.
Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe have rotated in the role as well as they could this season, with the former already recording nine assists.
However, as Hay points out, it will be extremely difficult to bring one in, particularly one who is expected to come in and make an immediate impact, so it may appear that the Whites will have to buy young players in the position from other EFL clubs or elsewhere.
The left-back position, on the other hand, should be a higher priority for Farke, who will undoubtedly want a proper left-footed left-back to add more balance and variety to the Leeds United attack.
Byram has been a stunning component in the role, but there are concerns about Firpo‘s qualities and his long-term future at the club, and having a proper option in the role could help Leeds United a lot.
Paraag Marathe and the 49ers Enterprises will collaborate closely with Farke and Nick Hammond, who have most likely already proposed some names who could transform this team.
It’s unclear whether they’ll be able to execute moves for those names.
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