Leeds United have signed just four new players in this summer transfer window. And three of them have been new additions to the club’s backline.
James Trafford, Nico Elvedi and Tarik Muharemovic have cost over £80 million.
Harry Wilson is the only outfield signing that has not been a defender. The attacking midfielder joined on a free transfer after a spectacular season at Fulham last year.
Outside the arrivals, the club has lost depth in defensive areas since the end of last season.
Max Wober, Isaac Schmidt, Sam Byram and Pascal Struijk have all left. Sebastiaan Bornauw also departed on loan, which facilitated the arrival of Nico Elvedi.
Leeds United keen on signing free agent this week
Free agent Diogo Leite could join Leeds. Credit: IMAGO
Since the switch to a back three, Daniel Farke has relied on three starters at centre back.
With a full season ahead, it looks like the depth might not be deep enough for the club. Last year, Farke ended up using James Justin as part of the back three in some games.
Leeds have four senior centre backs with the latest addition of Elvedi.
Per Mail Sport, the club are keen on adding one more defender. Free agent centre back Diogo Leite seems to be high on the Whites’ list ahead of the transfer deadine.
It is believed that the Portuguese defender has been a target for a while. He spent last season with Union Berlin in the Bundesliga.
Adding Leite would mean there are five centre backs in the squad, with enough cover for all positions in the back three.
Leeds are not the only club lurking, as West Ham are also in the race. Per Hammers insider EXWHUEmployee, the London club will make a move for the 27-year old if he fails to get a move this summer.
READ MORE: 49ers’ plan revealed as four new Leeds United signings lined up ahead of transfer deadline
Leeds still need a left back
Adding one more centre back to give depth to the backline is a smart move.
But Leeds still need a left back before the transfer deadline. Gabriel Gudmundsson’s recent injuries cannot be ignored, as he is a very crucial part of the team under Daniel Farke.
James Justin can provide cover in some games, but the team need a natural left footer in the role.
The club need a cheap option who can provide backup to Gudmundsson, to allow Justin to be the main backup player to Jayden Bogle.
With just seven days till the end of the window, it will be interesting to see what the 49ers do.
