Leeds United have been busy this summer but they still have some work to do to complete their squad.
While Leeds United have fully supported new manager Thomas Christiansen this summer, bankrolling a considerable squad transformation, the Whites are not yet the finished article.
Their attack is now seemingly complete, with last season’s top-scorer Chris Wood given the support he needs in the form of Samu Saiz, Caleb Ekuban and Ezgjan Alioski.
Pontus Jansson and Hadi Sacko have both signed permanent deals following loan spells at Elland Road and the arrival of Mateusz Klich and Madger Gomes has strengthened Leeds’ midfield both now and further down the line.
A temporary move for Matthew Pennington has helped when it comes to Leeds’ defence, but it is here where work still needs to be carried out and, if the Whites sign two more quality players, they can reflect on a job very well done.
Centre-back
Pennington and Jansson are great options yet the departure of former loanee Kyle Bartley means Leeds are short of an experienced partner for the Swede.
Liam Cooper looks set to start the season in the absence of his suspended teammate, but the 25-year-old is not seen as the answer by many Whites fans and he should be a back-up option at best under Christiansen.
Bristol City’s Aden Flint would be a fine addition, a player with experience of the second tier and with the ability to form a great partnership with Jansson. But it seems unlikely Leeds will get him this summer.
Then there is Filip Helander, who at just 24 would represent an outstanding long-term investment.
The Bologna defender would not come cheap but alongside Jansson he could make Leeds all but impregnable.
A cheaper option could be Plymouth Argyle’s Sonny Bradley who, at 25, could be looking for a new challenge.
Left-back
Charlie Taylor’s exit was inevitable for some time, however Leeds are yet to replace him. Gaetano Berardi’s form at left-back last season means the Swiss should start this campaign as Christiansen’s first choice.
The problem comes if the fan favourite is ruled out for any length of time, with the unproven Tyler Denton yet to play a single minute in the Championship.
Flint’s Bristol City teammate Joe Bryan would be a great addition, as would Preston North End’s Greg Cunningham, while if Leeds want to make a left-field signing both literally and metaphorically they could go for Rico Henry of Brentford or Amari’i Bell of Fleetwood Town.
Either player would be a fine alternative to Berardi and with time running out Leeds need to act fast to ensure they have the squad capable of achieving promotion in 2018.
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