Leeds United won’t really be pushing for new signings right now, given that their promotion to the Premier League still hangs in the balance.
The Whites sit in the automatic promotion spots right now, though there has been no Championship action for almost three months.
The global pandemic has left Leeds waiting, but even with their promotion fate unknown, they’re still being linked with potential additions.
A new link emerged over the weekend. L’Equipe reported that Leeds have expressed their interest in signing Paris Saint-Germain defender Thierno Balde. Southampton and Saint-Etienne are also thought to be keen.
Balde isn’t a household name right now, as he only turns 18 next week. He could leave PSG for free this summer, as his contract comes to an end.
PSG have let a number of talented youngsters leave in recent years; Matteo Guendouzi, Moussa Dembele, Odsonne Edouard, Jonathan Ikone and Mike Maignan, with Balde no doubt hoping to follow in their footsteps.
Balde makes perfect sense for Leeds too. He started out as a right back, but he has switched role this season. He’s been switched to play as a centre back, and the results have been promising.
Balde has shown a fine reading of the game, whilst his history as a right back has lent itself towards him being a ball-playing defender who can carry the ball.
The Frenchman fits Bielsa’s style for that reason, but his versatility fits the bill too. Luke Ayling and Gaetano Berardi have both been valuable defenders for Bielsa, because of their ability to slot in at right back and centre back.
Bielsa likes to keep a tight squad, so versatility is welcomed. Balde has that as well as bags of potential, so the Whites pursuing him makes a lot of sense.
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