Leeds United’s summer transfer window is bound to be an interesting one.
From what we know so far, we’d expect Leeds to target three key positions. Phil Hay has said that Leeds will certainly be bringing in a left-back, while he also expects them to sign a new central midfielder.
The journalist has also claimed that the Whites will bring in some backup for Kalvin Phillips, but rather than spending a fee on a new holding player, Leeds could promote from within.
Indeed, Alfie McCalmont is shining out on loan at Oldham Athletic, with United fans once again raving about the youngster for his performance on Saturday.
While League Two isn’t the same standard of football as the Premier League, the Northern Irishman has certainly shown that he can be a top talent, and Bielsa can certainly work with him.
The 20-year-old has already made his senior international debut with Northern Ireland before even getting his first league start for Leeds, and when you look at how Carlos Corberan described him in 2019, it’s easy to understand why he was fast-tracked to the international scene.
“I think Alfie is a special player. We are working with him and he is very focused on improving,” said Corberan. “What’s important with Alfie is the mentality he has.”
The fact that Corberan thinks that he has the mentality to make it at Leeds shows just how good he is, and Bielsa clearly thinks highly of him as well.
The Argentine watched 19 hours of footage of McCalmont during lockdown to get a gauge of where he’s at, and that’s not something you do if you don’t think he can contribute to the first-team.
McCalmont plays in that Phillips role at the heart of the midfield, and if Bielsa can help him improve, there’s no reason why he can’t act as the England international’s understudy.
Leeds may want a backup for Kalvin Phillips in the summer, but rather than going out and spending, they may be better off looking closer to home in the shape of McCalmont.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
