The new Premier League season will start on Saturday and it would be fair to say Leeds fans have been left somewhat underwhelmed by the club’s summer transfer activity. Left-back Junior Firpo is the only major addition that is likely to feature regularly in the starting XI and the Whites fans have become concerned at the lack of movement in the current window – especially given the current squads’ shortage of depth which has become evident in a mediocre pre-season.
It appears Marcelo Bielsa and the hierarchy at Elland Road are unwilling to pay over the odds to land their main targets, which has led to the club looking down the divisions for new recruits. Huddersfield’s Lewis O’Brien has been heavily linked with a move across West Yorkshire and Victor Orta could move for more of the Championship’s top talent in the coming days.
Because of this potential new approach, we have taken the time to pick out five current Championship players we think Leeds should try to sign before the transfer window closes.
Matheus Pereira
Leeds fans will be very familiar with Matheus Pereira. He was the key player for West Brom as they challenged Leeds for promotion from the Championship, banking 8 goals and 16 assists along the way. He stepped up to the Premier League as well, being directly involved in 17 goals as Albion got relegated despite his best efforts. West Ham are rumoured to be interested in the Brazilian, but so too should Leeds. He can play on the wing and in midfield, making him a perfect fit for Bielsa’s system. He can shoot, he can create, and he can dribble through players with ease. Pereira should really be a no brainer and would fill the gap left by Pablo Hernandez. As we know though, it all comes down to the price and West Brom will do everything they can to keep hold of the playmaker as they bid to bounce straight back to the top flight.
Ovie Ejaria
Reading recently sold young star Michael Olise to Crystal Palace, but there’s another gem in the Royals’ midfield who is yet to be uncovered by Premier League clubs. Ejaria joined Reading from Liverpool on a permanent deal last season and has shown real technical ability as Reading just missed out on the playoffs. Although he is accused of holding onto the ball for too long at times, there is some serious quality in Ejaria that could easily be exploited by a coach as talented as Marcelo Bielsa.
Arnaut Danjuma
A media quote taken wildly out of context led to Danjuma being linked to Leeds, as he appeared to suggest that a club like Leeds would be the perfect next step in his career. He isn’t wrong either, as it is clear the young winger has outgrown the Championship. He was one of few players to step up for Bournemouth in their playoff semi final defeat to Brentford, where he scored both Bournemouth goals as they were defeated 3-2 on aggregate. A tricky winger who could provide competition for Jack Harrison and Raphinha is exactly what Leeds need, and Danjuma would definitely fill that hole.
Louie Sibley
Sibley has impressed during his two years in the first team at Derby County. Still just 19 years old, the future is very bright for Sibley and who better to unearth that potential than Marcelo Bielsa. Sibley operates in central midfield and has been a bright spark in an otherwise gloomy situation down at Pride Park. Given the financial status at the club right now, they may not be able to demand a high price if Leeds came calling. This could be the perfect opportunity to steal a brilliant prospect at a fantastic price.
Andre Zambo Anguissa
Anguissa is probably the best player on this list. He spent Fulham’s last Championship spell at current Europa League champions Villarreal, before returning to Craven Cottage for Premier League football. Anguissa was very good in the two games against Leeds last season and was one of Fulham’s better performers alongside Alphonse Areola and Joachim Andersen last season. The energetic midfielder has all the attributes for a Bielsa side and could be available because, as history tells us, he isn’t interested in playing Championship football. Leeds should be all over Anguissa if there’s a possibility of him being available.
