Leeds United started last season with four very capable center backs in the first team. Joe Rodon and Pascal Struijk were given more competition when two new faces arrived.
Jaka Bijol was a big deal in Italy, after impressing with Udinese in Serie A.
Sebastiaan Bornauw was also widely known as a goal threat in the air in Germany, but many knew he would likely be lower down the pecking order.
The Whites had four center backs for only two roles when the team started with the 4-2-3-1 shape. But Daniel Farke decided to change things up near the middle of the season, switching to a back three.
This saw Bijol come into the lineup, leaving Bornauw as the only natural center back as reserve.
When the summer window kicked off, there were expectations that another defender could be added for depth.
Leeds United end transfer pursuit over player’s injury history
But so far, the 49ers have focused on other areas of the pitch mainly in midfield and the attack.
Leeds United needed quality in those positions looking at how last season went. Even though the Whites were solid, they lacked creativity and a cutting edge in close games.
The only defender that has arrived at Elland Road so far is Tarik Muharemovic.
Muharemovic is regarded as a ‘big’ signing considering his price tag, but he came in as a direct replacement after Struijk was sold to Brighton.
New information has emerged as to why Leeds have not gotten another center back in yet. According to Tuttomercato, Udinese star Oumar Solet was an option the 49ers seriously considered.
However, the Frenchman’s major knee injury saw the Whites ‘withhold’ their interest.
Other Italian clubs including Inter and Como have also dropped their interest for the same reason.
Oumar Solet was said to have a £20 million price tag which would have been in Leeds’ range should they have continued their pursuit.
READ MORE: Jack Harrison breaks silence after Elland Road exit – ”I was looking for…”
49ers were right not to take a risk
Some fans would be confused as to why Leeds did not add to a position they needed depth in.
Going into the summer, the club still have just four senior center backs expected to fill three positions when the season starts.
But if the injury concern as a serious as it sounds, then avoiding a deal would be the best option. Solet would have reportedly cost £20 million, which would have been quite a risk to spend.
Club chief Paraag Marathe already told the fans that there would be a logical approach to this window.
This meant that the club would not be chasing just any player if they became available.
