The Athletic have reported that it is Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa who decided to abandon the pursuit of Noa Lang and pushed for a move to bring Daniel James from Manchester United.
The report has claimed that although Leeds had an interest in Lang, Bielsa was concerned about the 22-year-old winger’s ‘defensive capabilities’.
Leeds went on to sign Wales international winger James from Premier League rivals United on summer transfer deadline day.
Voetbal Belgie reported last month that the youngster had agreed personal terms with Leeds.
We covered the report here on HITC Sport.
Could a future Leeds transfer happen?
Lang is still at Club Brugge and has started the season strongly.
The Dutch winger scored 16 goals and gave seven assists in 26 league starts for Club Brugge and helped them win the title last season.
The youngster has scored one goal and given four assists in six league games already this season.
Lang is only 22, and there is still time on his hands to improve his game, especially his defensive side.
It is unlikely that Leeds will go for another winger in the January transfer window, but next summer perhaps the Whites could revisit the situation.
Lang would be a more mature footballer then, and perhaps he would have improved the defensive side of his game as well.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
