Leeds were linked with Sebastien Bassong back in August.
Everton’s Enner Valencia in action with Norwich City’s Sebastien Bassong
Leeds United’s end of season wobble saw them miss out on a play-off place, and manager Garry Monk has some issues to tackle in the transfer window this summer.
One such area is at centre back, where Pontus Jansson is reportedly wanted by Southampton (The Sun), and loanee Kyle Bartley is returning to parent club Swansea City, with a return up in the air.
Monk does have Liam Cooper at his disposal, but the chances are that Leeds will need to bring in another centre back this summer – and one of Monk’s former targets has been released.
Norwich City confirmed on their official website that defender Sebastien Bassong won’t have his contract renewed this summer, and will leave the club along with John Ruddy, Steven Whittaker, Ryan Bennett, Michael Turner, Youssouf Mulumbu and Kyle Lafferty.
Liverpool’s Roberto Firmino in action with Norwich’s Sebastien Bassong
Back in August, The Mirror reported that Leeds had made an enquiry into signing Bassong, though nothing came of that alleged move – and whilst Bassong is now available for free, Leeds should steer clear.
The 30-year-old Cameroon international, formerly of Newcastle, Tottenham, Wolves and Watford, has carved out a career for himself in English football, but his final season with Norwich showed that Leeds must look elsewhere if they have play-off aspirations.
Leeds United manager Garry Monk
With just eight Championship starts, Bassong became the forgotten man at Carrow Road, and fans were largely pleased to see the error-prone defender move on in order to allow the club to build a brand new back line.
Whilst Bassong could have been an option for Leeds last season, they must set their standards higher than going back in for him this summer, with Bartley and Jansson showing the way for the Whites in the heart of defence.
Bassong has experience and is available for free, but manager Monk must look for better quality targets in defence, and they certainly shouldn’t challenge Bursaspor for his signature, with Fanatik claiming that the Turkish side are leading the race for his signature.
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