A one-time Leeds United target has moved club for just £1 million.
Marley Watkins has joined Bristol City from Norwich City.
The 27-year-old winger arrives at Ashton Gate for a modest £1 million fee [BBC Sport] and you wonder whether Leeds United will regret not competing for his signature, given that he could be a bargain for the Robins.
This time last year, it looked like Watkins – then at Barnsley – could have been heading to Elland Road on a free transfer according to The Daily Mail, but he wound up joining the Canaries.
It’s safe to say that the two-time Wales international struggled at Norwich but if Leeds wanted him last summer then why didn’t Director of Football Victor Orta renew an interest?
Watkins managed 15 goals and 14 assists during his final two years at Oakwell. Despite his struggles last season, he is clearly a very decent player and one who might have been tempted to join the Whites, in light of their appointment of Marcelo Bielsa.
The wide man, who can also play up front, is a proven Championship player and considering how poor Orta’s recruitment drive was last season, a tried-and-tested quantity like Watkins could have been a fine addition.
Leeds might be in the market for much better players than Watkins, and it would be great if they are successful in getting them, but if Bielsa still has the likes of Stuart Dallas, Pawel Cibicki and Hadi Sacko in his squad come August then failing to go for Watkins, an obvious upgrade, would look very poor.
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