Leeds are likely to be active in the transfer window this summer after a disappointing 2017-18 campaign.
Leeds United are desperate for defenders and Paul Heckingbottom’s usage of the club’s under-23 stars has highlighted just how a few injuries can turn a comfortable situation into a crisis.
Luke Ayling, Pontus Jansson, Liam Cooper, Gaetano Berardi and Laurens De Bock were all unavailable for Leeds’ trip to Aston Villa on Friday night, which saw Paudie O’Connor and Tom Pearce start in defence.
Although Ireland youth international O’Connor performed admirably, Pearce made a number of mistakes that should be put down to his inexperience. Leeds need defenders this summer.
De Bock has hardly shown why he cost a hefty transfer fee in January, while doubts surround the future of Berardi. Vurnon Anita has also been poor this season, while it remains to be seen when Ayling will return from a long-term ankle injury.
Matthew Pennington has been mediocre on loan from Everton, but Leeds should look to go back to the Toffees and lure full-back Jonjoe Kenny to Elland Road this summer to solve Leeds’ woes at full-back.
Though predominantly a right-back, Kenny can play on the left side of defence too and has shown this season – prior to Seamus Coleman and Leighton Baines’ return from injury – that he is more than capable at Premier League level.
But, with Coleman, Mason Holgate and Cuco Martina all at Everton, Kenny has been pushed down the pecking order and has failed to feature since February.
His Premier League exploits in the first half of the season are sure to see the England youth international high on a number of Championship clubs’ shortlists this summer, and Leeds should look to fend off interest for his signature.
Adding Kenny into the equation could see Leeds use Ayling at centre-back, with many of the belief that the former Bristol City defender would prove a better option at the heart of the defence when compared to captain Cooper.
A season-long loan for Kenny to Leeds would be a move that would benefit all parties involved.
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