Leeds have made an impressive start to life back in the Premier League. However, as we’ve seen with Sheffield United, things can get a little bit more sticky in your second season. In 2021-22 United are going to have to be even better to ensure survival and that they continue to head up.
A key part of that will be down to recruitment – the men Marcelo Bielsa and his staff bring in to add to Leeds’ squad ahead of the 2021-22 season.
With that in mind, let’s look at three defenders Leeds United could and should sign this summer.
Krystian Bielik
Leeds United have struggled defensively this year. Not down to a lack of quality but more down to persistent injuries to centre-backs and their pivotal defensive midfielder Kalvin Phillips. But the recruitment of Derby’s Bielik could address both the centre-back and centre-mid problem as he’s capable of playing both roles. At 23 he has huge potential to improve and improve. Having played at Arsenal in his youth he should be accustomed to passing the ball as Bielsaball requires and he offers superb height at 6 foot 2.
Bjorn Engles
Engles has been left on the fringes at Villa and wants a move away from Birmingham. Now you might think if he’s not good enough for Villa he’s not good enough for Leeds. However, United have had massive injury problems at the back this season and Engles could provide the perfect cover. Also, having played two seasons of Premier League football perhaps he’d make a better option than Liam Cooper who some still rate as a Championship defender.
Jack O’Connell
I think there will be a que of clubs ready to sign O’Connell when Sheffield United inevitably bite the dust and suffer relegation this term. Having played as one of the Blades’ dynamic overlapping centre-backs he has the skill required to fit in at Elland Road. It also shows he can adapt to unique systems and do as the manager asks whilst ticking the boxes you’d want from a natural centre-back. Adaptable and capable of playing in a three as well as a two, he would be a savvy piece of business should Leeds want to exploit the troubles of their Yorkshire rivals.
