Leeds United are reportedly considering a bid to re-sign Connor Roberts from Burnley in the summer, with uncertainty ruling at Turf Moor following Vincent Kompany’s departure.
Leeds’ goal remains promotion back to the Premier League as they enter the 24/25 season, their second consecutive season in the Championship.
Daniel Farke will need to use the transfer window to address the balance of his squad and respond to the completion of loan agreements that have created voids in his squad, notably in the back four.
Leeds are interested in re-signing Connor Roberts from Burnley
The playoff final defeat marked the end of Roberts‘ loan time with Leeds, as he was confirmed on the retained list to return to Burnley.
Meanwhile, the Clarets are returning to the Championship after a failed attempt to remain in the first division under Vincent Kompany, who has left Turf Moor to join Bayern Munich.
Following this, The Athletic reported that the Whites are interested in bringing the Welshman back to Elland Road, as he now has a 12-month contract with Burnley.
“Another Wales defender, Roberts, has a year left on his contract with Burnley, who will return to the second division next season. The 28-year-old full-back’s future could be determined by who takes over as manager at Turf Moor after Vincent Kompany‘s departure to Bayern Munich.
“After losing his place in Kompany‘s starting XI in October, Roberts saw an opportunity to go during the winter window. He spent the second part of the season on loan at Elland Road, making 15 appearances despite being sidelined by a thigh injury sustained on international duty in March.
“Between relegation and Kompany‘s departure, Burnley is in a state of instability, which will undoubtedly have an impact on any chances of returning to Leeds. Craig Bellamy, Kompany’s former assistant, has been appointed temporary head coach, with interviews for a permanent successor set to begin this week. Former Hull City manager Liam Rosenior, former Chelsea and Derby boss Frank Lampard, and former Fulham and Bournemouth manager Scott Parker are among those being considered.
“Leeds will have their eye on another deal for Roberts, but he is assessing his options.”
Leeds would make a mistake by pursuing Roberts strongly.
Leeds need a right-back or two in the summer transfer window, and keeping Sam Byram is a decent start towards addressing the potential lack of depth.
Roberts is another simple method to add another man to the squad who can play reasonably well at right back.
However, we saw virtually little from Roberts in half a season to justify his joining with us.
His only two memorable outings were as a substitute against Leicester City and Huddersfield Town, the latter against ten men who were later relegated, thus hardly noteworthy opposition.
Outside of those games, there was little contribution on the wing, although Junior Firpo was a reliable option in the final third on the other side.
Defensively, he wasn’t completely solid either, possibly aided by the aforementioned thigh problem in March.
Farke, who will be 29 in September, may see him as a fine addition for experience, but Leeds may benefit from someone more agile and effective in possession.
In 23/24, our right channel was frequently an offensive dead zone, resulting in us always funnelling our play to Crysencio Summerville; to change this, you need a natural right-back who can maraud forward at will.
Max Aarons may have been that signing for us, but Roberts would not. There are undoubtedly worse players to sign, but there are also clearly better players to sign.
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