Leeds United have agreed a deal with Premier League side Burnley over the signing of right-back Connor Roberts, with the Welsh international set to undergo a medical in West Yorkshire this afternoon and expected to join the Whites on loan until the end of the season.
It has been a window of outgoings for Leeds up to this point, with several players – most notably defenders Djed Spence, Luke Ayling and Leo Hjelde – all departing the club.
Seeing these figures leave Elland Road, without any sign of incomings in order to compensate, left many amongst the Leeds fanbase concerned that the squad was now weaker at the end of the month than it was when the window initially opened.
Now these fears can be alleviated somewhat, with widespread reports confirming that a breakthrough has been made between Leeds and Burnley for Roberts’ services – with the right-back set to join the Whites on loan until the end of the season.
What is the state of play?
As reported earlier today by The Athletic’s Phil Hay, Leeds found themselves in “fresh talks” with Vincent Kompany’s side over signing Roberts in a deadline day move for the Welshman.
Negotiations are now understood to have progressed to the point where terms have now been agreed, with the 28-year-old now set to sign for the Whites on loan until the end of the season, subject to passing a medical this afternoon.
🚨 Leeds United have agreed a loan deal for Burnley's Conor Roberts. Straight loan to the end of the season. Set to travel for a medical and to sign ahead of tonight's deadline.@TheAthleticFC https://t.co/ctDrVNb9u1
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) February 1, 2024
The deal is reported to be a straight loan with no obligation to buy attached, with Roberts’ contract with the Clarets currently set to expire in the summer of 2025.
Is Roberts a good fit for Leeds?
Whilst Roberts is by no means a flashy signing, he is definitely a sensible one, with the 28-year-old bringing a wealth of Championship experience to what is currently a youthful Leeds squad.
The Welsh international played a key role for Burnley during their 2022/23 promotion season, making 43 league appearances for the Clarets. As well as impressing defensively, Roberts also displayed a tendency to get forward and assist the attack, notching 4 goals and 6 assists in the process. A must for a manager like Daniel Farke who likes to see his full-backs get further up the pitch.
His signing will also allow Farke greater tactical flexibility when it comes to the role of Archie Gray in his side. Naturally a midfielder, but having been deployed to great effect at right-back so far this season, the signing of Roberts would allow the Whites boss to play Gray in his preferred midfield berth if necessary.
Bringing experience as well as ability, Roberts would without doubt be a great signing for Leeds given that they are able to see this one over the line.
