Daniel Ayala is expected to join Leeds United this summer from Championship rivals Middlesbrough, according to The Mirror (1 May, page 49).
A 29-year-old centre-back who has shone in the second tier for Boro, Nottingham Forest, Norwich City and Derby County, the Spaniard promises to arrive at Elland Road with a wealth of experience under his belt.
But to say he is not exactly a typical Marcelo Bielsa player would be something of an understatement. Standing at 6ft 3ins, Ayala is an old-school powerhouse more in the Tony Pulis mould.
And having completed just 73 per cent of his passes across 2019/20, Leeds fans might be left a little confused by reports that Ayala is packing his bags for West Yorkshire. After all, if there is one thing Bielsa demands from each and every one of his players (including the goalkeepers), it is the ability to pass the ball accurately and efficiently.
This enigmatic Argentine loves a project, however, and he obviously sees something in Ayala. Averaging 5.9 successful clearances per game, the one-time Liverpool youngster could solve Leeds’ weakness at corner kicks perhaps.
Interestingly, director of football Victor Orta knows him well from their time together at Middlesbrough too.
Now, Ayala is hardly the most obvious signing for a Leeds side who look set to lose star loanee Ben White when the season ends. But, on a free, he’s certainly worth taking a punt on.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
