Leeds have the talent to promote from within.
Leeds United could look to the transfer market to replace departed playmaker Samu Saiz.
Going on Marcelo Bielsa’s actions at Leeds so far this season, he is far more likely to look for a solution within the club.
Loanee Izzy Brown will play a role, but a youngster to watch is talented midfielder Jordan Stevens.
Leeds signed Stevens from Forest Green Rovers back on February 1 and he has become a regular for the under-23 side.
Still only 18, Stevens has made a strong impression and won’t be daunted by first team promotion.
Stevens is a bright talent, quick with the ball at his feet, and has a chippiness to his game like Samu Saiz did.
He has a strong work rate and while he may prefer a deeper lying position to Saiz, Bielsa could very easily mould him into the Saiz role, as he possesses the traits required.
Beyond Stevens, Leeds could look to fellow teenager Alfie McCalmont, a Northern Ireland under-19 international with an eye for goal.
19-year-old Callum Nicell has a shot too if Bielsa decides to push him into a forward position.
Leeds’ academy has come up trumps this season for Bielsa, and often with unexpected names.
Jamie Shackleton and Will Huffer were not expected to get the calls when they did, but they certainly made the most of their opportunities.
It’s likely Bielsa will continue to experiment over the next month and only look to the transfer market as a last resort.
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