Earlier today, Watford announced the signing of Nicolas N’Koulou on a contract running until the end of the season, following links to Leeds.
What’s the story?
Well, back in February, Calciomercato revealed that Marcelo Bielsa wanted N’Koulou at Leeds, as the centre-back’s deal with Torino ran down.
That contract expired in June, and some perhaps felt that Bielsa could do with his former Marseille defender to help Leeds at the back.
Now, that chance is gone, as Claudio Ranieri has opted to bring the 31-year-old to Vicarage Road just days after replacing Xisco as manager.
Leeds will hope the 72-cap Cameroon international doesn’t excel with the Hornets.
If he does, it will make their decision to ignore him look like a poor one.
Should Leeds have signed Nicolas N’Koulou?
In our view, it wouldn’t have been a bad idea to hand N’Koulou a short-term contract until January, at least.
The defender knows Bielsa well, having made 26 appearances under him during their time at Marseille.
Additionally, N’Koulou would’ve helped ease the slight centre-back crisis at Elland Road.
Robin Koch is currently injured, and Bielsa was unable to put a timeframe on the German’s return.
19-year-old Charlie Cresswell even made his debut against West Ham after Pascal Struijk was sent off against Liverpool.
The teenager performed superbly, but Bielsa’s centre-back department is certainly lacking a bit of depth.
Having said all of that, let’s wait and see how N’Koulou gets on at Watford.
If he’s a total disaster, then Bielsa clearly made the right decision – only time will tell.
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