Leeds United are preparing a deal to bring in Southampton left-back, Sam McQueen on loan for the remainder of the season. Mostly delegated to the U-23 side, McQueen has made just 4 senior appearances this season and is way below the pecking order behind Ryan Bertrand and Matt Targett. He has recorded an impressive 14 goal tally on 63 outings for the Saints U-23 side.
Charlie Taylor’s 12-year stint with Leeds United ended in the summer of 2017 when the left-back opted to sign with newly promoted side, Burnley on a four-year contract. Taylor’s exit has left a massive gap in the position with Gaetano Berardi primarily fielded in the season so far.
However, Berardi is not a traditional left-back and is an injury concern for the manager, Thomas Christiansen.
The club brought in highly regarded Cameron Borthwick-Jackson on loan from Manchester United to be a starter at left-back, but he’s looked the same as he did at Wolves, and surely has no future at Leeds.
Christiansen has played five different players at left back this season in all competitions, and the fact that experienced winger Stuart Dallas has looked the best should tell you all you need to know about the status of the position.
A product of the Southampton academy, McQueen has developed himself against top English opponents throughout his career. He was born in the city and is greatly loyal to the side, however at 22, his career can no longer be tied down to the backbenches of the club.
He needs regular minutes on the pitch and can make a significant impact while playing for Leeds. The Peacocks dropped to the 6th spot of the points table after their 0-0 draw against Nottingham Forest in their opening game of the year. They are in danger of being overtaken in the playoff spots by Middlesbrough and Sheffield United.
A potent threat with a skilled left foot can answer their offensive qualities from the left wing while at the same hold down the fort at the back. McQueen started his career playing further up the field and was mostly deployed as a winger or an attacking midfielder while playing for Southend United. He has made the transition to the left-back position and is best suited as a wing-back.
He somehow fits the bill as to what Leeds are looking for and can find himself get fielded regularly under Christiansen. However, United will have to fend off interests from rivals Brentford and Reading to land the 22-year-old’s services.
