Leeds United have been linked with a move for Liverpool winger Ryan Kent, so perhaps their January mistake should inspire how they approach the chase.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
With Leeds’ promotion hopes now dashed, many fans are looking back to their lack of activity during the January transfer window as a pivotal reason for their inability to hold onto what appeared to be a nailed on play-off spot, with missing out on one player proving to be particularly difficult to stomach.
Sergi Canos was on Leeds’ radar during the winter window, but the winger ultimately ended up moving to Brentford who were willing to pay £2.5 million for his signature while the Whites were solely interested in a six-month loan and certainly not willing to meet Norwich’s asking price (via Yorkshire Evening Post).
Unsurprisingly, the Canaries accepted the Bees’ offer and he has proved to be an excellent addition, proving simply irresistible during the latter stages of the campaign, especially in the emphatic win over Leeds in April when only a stunning display from Rob Green kept the score down.
Following Leeds’ dramatic slip in recent weeks, fans have been questioning whether taking the gamble on Canos would have made the difference, and for that reason, the Whites must be wary with how they approach their pursuit of summer target Ryan Kent.
Leeds United’s Gaetano Berardi in action with Brentford’s Sergi Canos
According to the Daily Mail, Leeds are one of a number of sides who are keen on the Liverpool winger, while the Daily Mirror has now suggested that Bournemouth are plotting a £3 million bid for the Barnsley loanee, who shone when the Tykes beat Leeds at Oakwell earlier in the season.
Interestingly, there are a number of similarities between the two pursuits, with the two men – who both played alongside each other in the Reds’ youth team – both wingers who have or are commanding reasonable six-figure fees from Leeds’ rivals for their signatures.
And having watched, and seen first hand in the 2-0 defeat, how much of an impact Canos has made since moving elsewhere, Leeds would surely be making a mistake if they adopt a similarly coy approach in their pursuit of Kent if they rate him as highly as they rated his former teammate.
Barnsley’s Ryan Kent celebrates scoring
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