Leeds United defender has had a tough spell so far.
Laurens De Bock appears destined to go down as one of Leeds United’s most unsuccessful signings of 2018.
He was signed in January to compete to be Leeds’ first choice left-back. Immediately he appeared to struggle.
De Bock arrived with Champions League experience for Club Brugge. The Championship proved bizarrely to be beyond him.
New manager Marcelo Bielsa had a close look at De Bock in the summer in pre-season, trialling him at centre-back.
A move for Barry Douglas sealed his fate at left-back and Bielsa was not convinced that he had the attributes to play in the centre.
De Bock was sent out on loan to Belgian side KV Oostende.
They sit 10th in the Jupiler Pro League, below his former side Brugge who are in second. It’s fair to say the jump to Leeds has pushed him into a backwards step.
De Bock’s time at Oostende so far has been tough going.
Injuries and inconsistent team selection has seen him picked in five of a possible 11 matches.
He has started the last two games, which is an encouraging sign, although the most recent ended up a 2-0 defeat to Royal Antwerp.
It’s too little to save his Leeds prospects with Marcelo Bielsa’s mind already made up. Now he is battling to get his career back on track.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
