What does the future hold for Leeds United stars Pierre-Michel Lasogga, Pontus Jansson, Samuel Saiz and Pablo Hernandez?
Leeds United director of football Victor Orta has commented on the futures of four players during a live Q&A session on the LUTV app, as transcribed by The Yorkshire Evening Post.
Orta has given his take on the futures of striker Pierre-Michel Lasogga – signed on a season-long loan deal from Hamburg in the summer of 2017 – defender Pontus Jansson, and attacking midfielders Samuel Saiz and Pablo Hernandez.
Lasogga’s future: “Pierre, he is happy in Leeds and now his family grows in Leeds with a new child. I think it is a situation we can discuss and can be a possibility. With his quality we are obviously evaluating this possibility.”
Pablo Hernadez’s future: “I’ve had several discussions with his agent, talking about the situation, talking about his aim to stay with us. That for me is very important.”
Futures of Saiz and Jansson if Leeds remain in the Championship: “We’ve already renewed the contract of Jansson. We are really keen to keep these players in the squad.
“But, for example, with Chris Wood if the desire is really hard (on leaving) then it’s difficult to manage the squad. If they have the economical desire to play in the Premier League and they’re pushing you it’s difficult.”
Positives
Lasogga has not exactly been great for Leeds so far this season and have been inconsistent, but the German striker has shown some very encouraging signs.
If played to his strengths, then the 26-year-old, who has found the net 10 times in 17 Championship starts for Leeds so far this season, can be a very effective player who can score important goals.
Signing Lasogga on a permanent contract would not be a bad move if the price is right, and it would also be wise of Leeds to hand Hernandez a new deal.
The former Swansea City and Valencia star knows both the Premier League and the Championship inside out, and he has been a success in English football.
Cause for concern
Saiz has been Leeds’s best player so far this campaign, while Jansson is one of the best defenders in the Championship.
If the Whites fail to get promoted to the Premier League at the end of the season, then it would be hard for the club to keep hold of the duo.
True, Leeds are a big club, but Saiz and Jansson could be tempted by clubs in the Premier League as both are 27 years of age and are almost at the peak of their respective careers.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
