Leeds United have been linked with a potential summer loan move for West Ham United striker Jordan Hugill, who is available.
Leeds fans would be forgiven for feeling slightly concerned that Marcelo Bielsa’s side are yet to add a summer signing to their ranks with the club under absolutely no illusions as to how important this window could prove to be.
Despite one of the most scarcely-believable spells of luck with injury, Leeds came agonisingly close to securing automatic-promotion and then reaching the play-off final. When the dust settled, it was the club’s poor recruitment last summer that was pinpointed by many as a key reason for their inability to clear that final hurdle.
The supporters – well aware that the Whites are unlikely to be able to splash the cash – appear to be in favour of moves for more established Championship players whose arrivals would not look like rolls of the dice from Victor Orta.
The latest name linked with a move to Elland Road does tick the box for being a player who has a decent amount of experience in England’s second tier. But, despite earning a £10 million move to the Premier League with his form in the Championship, he is arguably exactly the kind of player that Leeds must avoid pursuing this summer.
The Sun on Sunday (23/6; page 60) claimed that the Whites would make a loan move for West Ham’s Jordan Hugill if either Kemar Roofe or Patrick Bamford leave the club this summer.
Hugill has had a torrid time since joining the Hammers. He has barely had a look in at the London Stadium, and only managed to score six league goals during a season-long loan spell at Middlesbrough this past season.
He may have been impressive during the latter stages of his spell with Preston North End. But Bielsa would surely be better off handing Ryan Edmondson a more prominent role instead.
The 18-year-old was sensational for the under-23s this past term, and was perhaps unlucky to not get more chances for the first-team. The supporters would be forgiven for thinking that he must be in the running for a promotion next year.
Edmondson is obviously not the finished article. But handing the teenager more game-time appears to be as much of a gamble as turning to Hugill – and it will be significantly cheaper, even if the latter is only signed on loan.
Edmondson looks to be ready to be properly unleashed next season. But Hugill’s arrival would perhaps scupper those hopes if he does join.
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