Leeds United are in the market for more players this summer following the key arrivals of Harry Wilson, on a free transfer, and Tarik Muharemovic for a deal worth £34m.
The Whites are closing in on a club-record deal to sign Manchester City goalkeeper James Trafford, who has already approved the move to Elland Road.
Leeds are also in the market for a striker to lessen the burden on Dominic Calvert-Lewin next season. They also want to sign another goalkeeper and an attacking midfielder this summer.
However, one youngster’s performances in pre-season could save Leeds millions in transfer fees and wages during the current transfer window.
Leeds United may not need to sign a back-up for Gabriel Gudmundsson
Gabriel Gudmundsson was one of the best signings Leeds made last summer, and his performances last season led to interest from Chelsea this summer.
He is unlikely to leave Leeds, but there are concerns that Leeds do not have a proper back-up for the Swede in the squad.
James Justin’s ability to seamlessly play across the back line allowed Leeds to get through last season. However, signing a back-up left-back has been on their agenda this summer.
However, those concerns may be unfounded as Jayden Lienou has shown in pre-season that he is ready to step up to the first team next season.
The former Manchester City academy product has emerged as a talent to watch through his performances in pre-season for Leeds this summer.
He has looked composed on the ball, doesn’t seem to be flustered and has shown enough for Leeds to consider not signing another left-back this summer.
It could be a good time for Daniel Farke to blood him into the team for next season and have a proper back-up for Gudmundsson in the squad without spending millions.
Jayden Lienou is a versatile performer who Farke should love
The 18-year-old left-back is a technically gifted player with an outstanding range of passing and the composure to control possession from deep.
He has an impressive ability to break opposition lines with his distribution, switch play effortlessly and pick out teammates in dangerous areas.
A modern full-back, he is comfortable carrying out a variety of tactical roles. He can drift into midfield to help his side dominate possession or provide natural width by overlapping down the flank and contributing in the final third.
His combination of technical ability, football intelligence and tactical versatility makes him one of the most exciting young defensive prospects around.
When defending against Sunderland in the friendly too many chances for Sunderlands attackers to head the ball in the goal area were given, two headers narrowly going wide of the post, i think Lienou was on the left hand side where the Sunderland crosses were coming in and i may be mistaken but he was beaten too easily in the air and luckily for us the headers went wide of the goalpost. My oppologies if i’m mistaken.
Heinous can be available on the rare occasion that both full backs get injured art the same time Justin does a marvellous job debutising for both full backs, whee
N necessary he could step up from under 21, as can one or2 others for cup games