Leeds United’s squad has some glaring holes in it, but the most noticeable issue may well be at left-back.
Throughout this season, the Whites have relied on Pascal Struijk – a natural centre-half, to fill in at left-back, while Junir Firpo has continued to struggle for form.
Therefore, it doesn’t come as too much of a surprise to hear that the Yorkshire club are looking for a new left-sided defender in the January transfer window, but interestingly, according to The Athletic, they want a young option on that side.
Leeds have done a great job at stocking their squad with talented young players in recent years from Cody Drameh at the back to Joe Gelhardt in the attack, Leeds’ youth recruitment has been spot on.
Now, they want a player in that mould at left-back, and while that seems like a wise move, we can’t help but feel that they’re ignoring an in-house solution at their fingertips.
Indeed, Leo Hjelde is a 19-year-old left-back who has shown in his limited first-team appearances that he has what it takes to be an option in that spot.
Now, we’re not saying that Hjelde is the answer to Leeds’ prayers, but it’s hard to argue that the Whites need another young full-back option with Hjelde waiting in the wings.
In our view, if Leeds really do want to plug this gap, they should go out and sign a player who is currently in their prime and use Hjelde as the backup option as rumours continue to circulate around Junio Firpo’s future at the club.
Leeds’ approach to youth recruitment is admirable, but they shouldn’t prioritise youth when trying to patch up some key issues in their squad.
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