Leeds United are looking to the future with their latest transfer target.
The club has not had a complete set of fullbacks for a long time. Leeds United lost Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Ezgjan Alioski over the past few seasons and have only recently started to replace them long term.
The lack of natural fullbacks in the team was one of the reasons Marcelo Bielsa insisted on using midfielders at fullback when he was in charge.
In 2021, Leeds United splashed the cash on Junior Firpo; signing the fullback on a €15million fee from FC Barcelona. His start to life at the club was not particularly pleasant, but he has worked his way to become one of the best in the league.
Firpo’s contract runs out next year and so far there have been no concrete updates on his situation. Sam Byram, who joined the club on a free last year, will also be out of contract soon.
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Leeds United target English starlet
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The need for a new left back is increasing, especially after Daniel Farke has had his concerns on Isaac Schmidt. The Swiss fullback was signed on the summer for a reported club record fee, but has barely played this season.
The 24-year old has played just 15 minutes in the championship this season as he has regularly been on the bench. Leeds are now targeting Gent fullback Archie Brown according to TBR Football.
Brown left Derby County in 2021 and has immediately become one of the best young fullbacks in Belgium. When Brown was interviewed by Sky Sports this year, he said his aim was to return to England:
“Not to sound generic, but I just want to be the version of myself as I can – if I can continue to be a student of the game, respect the game and try to reach the highest level I can possible, we’ll see where that takes me,” Brown said.
“It might take me back to England and the Premier League, but it may take me somewhere in Europe. My aspiration is to play at the highest level possible, to play in the Champions League and compete for league titles.
Brown will solve the left back issue at the club
Assuming both Firpo and Byram depart next summer, that would leave Isaac Schmidt as the only natural left back.
Signing Brown would be the ideal scenario. The transfer would be difficult, as many clubs are also interested, but if Leeds win promotion to the Premier League it would be a done deal.
