Leeds United have been searching for full-back options in the market this summer. This is because they’ve got only three players in the squad who could cover down the wings.
Junior Firpo and Jayden Bogle are set to be the starters this campaign. On the other hand, Sam Byram will take the backup role who can play on either flanks.
All three of them have had their share of injuries making the full-back position one of the least backed at Elland Road. Since arriving in England, Firpo has been injured at least once each season.
The Dominican left-back has been out on average for around 50 days per season. Considering his age, this is a pretty high number, although it’s safe to say that he is very injury-prone.
Jayden Bogle on the other hand has had only one injury throughout his career where he was out for a total of 229 days. This was back in the 21/22 season with Sheffield United.
Although the Englishman isn’t prone to regular injuries, his record suggests a larger problem that might define his season as a whole. Sam Byram was also a regular at the hospital.
But after COVID, he hasn’t been injured even once. Still, the 30-year-old’s pre-COVID record suggests an average of around 20 days missed per season due to injuries.
Feyenoord set to win race for Wolves’ Hugo Bueno
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According to Sky Sports, Dutch giants Feyenoord are set to win the race for Wolverhampton’s Hugo Bueno. Many clubs were interested in the left-back as he’d become a third-choice at Molineux.
Both Celtic and Norwich City were also interested in signing the wing-back on loan. Leeds United were interested for obvious reasons and now The Whites will need to look elsewhere for reinforcements.
Firpo is a hospital regular and Byram might get his pre-COVID bad luck back if the worst is to be expected. Jayden Bogle has only incurred one long-term injury until now but anything can happen at Elland Road.
The West Yorkshire outfit cannot compete for promotion with such a shaky wing. Even if two players become unavailable it might become another season in the Championship for Leeds United.
There is still hope though as there have been no official agreements yet. One of the main problems holding Leeds back is their incapacity to offer contracted play time to the Spaniard.
This practice is commonplace among Premier League clubs for loan players as this allows for the loan to be fruitful for all parties involved.
