Leeds United are still developing a player for Brighton, rather than themselves.
Ben White stole the show with a superb debut performance for Leeds United against Bristol City.
Leeds needed it, having sold fan favourite Pontus Jansson. White stepped up in the best way possible.
For one season, there’s a lot for Leeds to be encouraged about with regard to White.
But sadly, that’s about as far as it will go. For the reality is, the better White does at Leeds, the more reluctant Brighton will be to give him up.
When Brighton loaned White to Leeds, there was no ‘option to buy’ as part of the deal.
White is at Leeds to aid his development, and Brighton’s.
Leeds were happy with that, and for a season he will serve the club well.
Beyond that, Leeds need to find a longer term solution.
Now Leeds could decide to put that decision off, wait until January or even next summer to add another centre-back.
They may hope Pascal Struijk will thrive and step up over the course of the season.
But it would be safer for Leeds to look at buying another centre-back before the transfer deadline.
Not only would this provide extra cover this season, but it will mean they are not depleted next summer when White inevitably returns to Brighton.
Leeds should enjoy him while they can. Brighton will see the 21-year-old as a big part of their future.
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