Leeds are expected to be very busy this summer after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.
One of the reasons for Victor Orta’s failings at Leeds United last season was his desire to bring in unproven talent from overseas. This summer, the Whites should look to rectify his mistakes by adding players with Football League experience to their squad.
The likes of Pawel Cibicki, Jay-Roy Grot, Matuesz Klich, Felix Wiedwald and Pierre-Michel Lasogga all failed to have the desired impact when brought to Elland Road.
This summer, a change in strategy is required when signing players, which should owner Andrea Radrizzani and manager Paul Heckingbottom work in tandem to bring in players that can guarantee good form.
After last summer’s large outlay on transfers, Heckingbottom may be forced to work within a tight budget and landing a couple of players on a free would certainly not go amiss in the eyes of the club’s Italian owner.
It should see Leeds’ attention swing towards Walsall playmaker Erhun Oztumer, who ripped up League One last year with an incredible record of 17 goals and seven assists from midfield during 50 appearances.
Despite standing at just 5ft 3in, the London-born star wowed fans with a number of exceptional performances that saw the Midlands outfit survive in the third tier by five points.
The former Peterborough star’s contract is set to expire this summer with Walsall failing to land their star midfielder on a new deal, and that should place Leeds on red alert with interest likely to be high in Oztumer.
Though attacking midfield is perhaps not at the top of Leeds’ to-do list this summer, Oztumer would be a superb addition to Heckingbottom’s aim of promotion. The pocket-sized dynamo is a must sign in the coming months.
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