In the summer transfer window, Leeds United brought in 10 new signings in an effort to boost the quality in the team. Bringing in so many players also meant that the Whites had to let some go during the same window.
Recruitment was focused on targeting players from top teams around Europe; it is how the club ended up getting Lucas Perri, Anton Stach and Gabriel Gudmundsson to join. On paper, it looked like the signings were going to plug some holes in the team but halfway through the season, there are still some obvious worries, especially in the defence.
Leeds added two new center backs and two fullbacks, but the past month has shown that cover in these positions has been very light. Joe Rodon’s injury saw Sebastiaan Bornauw step up off the bench, leaving no natural center back as depth.
Leeds United eye move for Ben Chilwell
Now, Gabriel Gudmundsson’s injury concerns threaten to disrupt the team in that area too. The Swedish international was brought in as a direct replacement for Junior Firpo in the summer. But that meant that the club only have one natural left back, with James Justin able to occasionally fill in that role. And with Jayden Bogle’s recent absence, Justin has had to fill in at right wing back.
Reports have emerged that Leeds United are taking a look at a possible move for Ben Chilwell. The England left back joined Strasbourg in the summer, but has only been used a bench option over in France. The Whites have him listed as one of the names they could explore as depth if Gudmundsson’s injury problems continue.
49ers must prioritize transfers
It is all good that the Whites have added Facundo Buonanotte to the team while pursuing a move for Wolves striker Jorgen Strand Larsen. But the lack of attention to the defence is quite alarming. Early reports in the January window pointed at Leeds adding some depth in the area, but no progress has been made on any deals.
Heading into the second half of the season, the Whites need all the depth they can get especially with niggling injury problems to key players like Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson. If Leeds can work out a temporary move for Ben Chilwell, it would be a sensible option, considering the 29-year old has Premier League experience and is comfortable at left back and left wing back.
