Have Leeds United inadvertently confirmed what positions they plan to strengthen?
Leeds United released their squad numbers for the 2018-19 campaign.
There were several notable omissions which indicate that they’re leaving in some capacity, with Eunan O’Kane and Vurnon Anita among those not to get a number.
Interestingly, the numbers 3, 5 and 9 have been left vacant by head coach Marcelo Bielsa – and is it an indicator of the type of players that Leeds will try and sign before the window closes?
The number 3 is traditionally given to left-backs and it wouldn’t be a major surprise if Barry Douglas – reportedly set for his medical with the Yorkshire club [Sky Sports] – is given that squad number.
It’s no secret that Leeds are in the market for a striker this summer, which explains why they have not allocated the number 9 shirt, but could they also be signing a centre-back?
United could certainly do with some defensive reinforcements but there hasn’t been a great deal of speculation about signing one, but leaving free the number 5 shirt – worn by Matthew Pennington and Kyle Bartley in recent years – certainly suggests that Director of Football Victor Orta intends to get one.
Bielsa’s side kick off their Championship campaign by hosting Stoke City at Elland Road on Sunday week and one would hope that the Argentine has filled those three numbers by then -especially the 9.
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