Leeds United signed the Everton youngster on loan and on early evidence the Whites are not desperate for another centre-back after all.
When Leeds United signed Matthew Pennington on loan from Everton earlier this summer, many Whites fans were quick to assume the 22-year-old would be a third-choice option, with a more experienced centre-back arriving to partner Pontus Jansson in the heart of the defence.
However, Pennington’s performances in pre-season suggest he could be the answer to a problem some Leeds fans are still talking about.
After all, the youngster is unlikely to have left Everton for a spell in the Championship unless he was given some guarantees regarding playing time, while the presence of Luke Ayling at Elland Road means Leeds have four centre-back options already, especially with Vurnon Anita now offering additional cover at full-back.
While Liam Cooper may not be every Leeds supporter’s cup of tea, and some will be worried about the prospect of him starting alongside Pennington’s during Jansson’s imminent suspension, the 25-year-old is a more than able deputy when required.
As for the new Leeds loanee, Pennington has shown his class during pre-season, looking solid alongside both Cooper and Jansson and possessing the potential to form an impressive long-term partnership with the latter.
He may be young but he is a superb talent and, if Thomas Christiansen puts his faith in Pennington, the new Leeds boss should be richly rewarded.
He may have been touted as a squad player when he first arrived, but those Leeds fans who have seen him in action this summer will have realised Pennington is the real deal.
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