Marcelo Bielsa believes a loan move away from Leeds United would benefit Niall Huggins as the Premier League starlet prepares to join Sunderland this month, speaking to Leeds Live.
The Black Cats have yet to spend a single penny in the summer transfer window but that doesn’t mean they’ve failed to reinforce a squad looking to break out of their League One shackles at the fourth time of asking.
In free agents Alex Pritchard and Corry Evans, Sunderland have snapped up a pair of proven Championship performers who, if they can find they feet on Wearside, could quickly emerge as two of the best players in League One.
Loanees Nathan Broadhead, Callum Doyle and Frederik Alves Ibsen, meanwhile, are highly regarded by their parent clubs, adding youthful exuberance and plenty of potential to Lee Johnson’s ranks.
And, as recently as last summer, new left-back Dennis Cirkin was being tipped for a first-team role at Tottenham Hotspur by none other than Jose Mourinho.
Leeds starlet Huggins could benefit from regular game time at Sunderland
According to the Northern Echo, 20-year-old Huggins could be the next to arrive, although Leeds would prefer a short-term loan rather than a permanent deal for a technically gifted youngster who would give Sunderland much-needed cover in both full-back positions.
“In this case, (Luke) Ayling, (Stuart) Dallas and (Jamie) Shackleton are all players who play in the position (Huggins) plays in,” Bielsa said when asked why Leeds would consider letting the Wales U21 international leave West Yorkshire for Wearside.
“If I see clearly at this moment, he doesn’t have the chance to overcome these players at the club. And if I keep him at the club, knowing this instead of favouring his development, I’m hindering him.
“For all these youngsters, it would be ideal to compete in a group in the Premier League. But if they are not here, there comes a moment where they need to look for a competition higher than the U23s, otherwise their progress will be stalled.”
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