Leeds United are finally set to make their first permanent signing of the summer as latest reports suggest that the Whites have agreed on a £3m fee for Wolverhampton Wanderers left-back Barry Douglas. The player is set to undergo a medical on Thursday in Yorkshire and the Whites are finally off the mark in the transfer window.
They had earlier signed Lewis baker and Jamal Blackman on loan and the fans were getting desperate as there are less than three weeks to go until the transfer window ends. Douglas was a crucial part of Nuno Espirito Santo’s setup as the West Midlands club won the Championship last term and the race to Premier League qualification with relative ease.
The Whites had signed a left back in Laurens De Bock in the January transfer window but the Belgian was unable to cut the mustard in the Championship. Former manager Paul Heckingbottom had to promote Tom Pearce from the youth team and the youngster did show some promise in the few games which he got to play in the latter half of the season. However, Bielsa might not be comfortable with the idea of experimenting as he went for a proven fullback in Douglas, who will head straight into the starting eleven once the deal is done.
The Scottish fullback had made 42 appearances in the Championship last season and was usually deployed in the wing back role as Santo preferred opting for a system of three men at the back. His attacking contribution was impressive as he ended the season with 5 goals and a whopping 15 assists. He even did his defensive duties well and the Peacocks certainly have a Premier League quality player at their disposal in Douglas.
Wolves have signed a left back in Jonny Castro on loan from Atletico Madrid and that is one of the reasons why the Portuguese manager didn’t have any qualms in letting Douglas go. After impressive displays for the West Midlands club, the 28-year-old was picked for the first time for Scotland in March 2018.
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The Peacocks will be hoping that this will set the ball rolling in the transfer market as there are some other areas which the club needs to look after. It was believed that Tom Pearce will be the preferred left back option in the upcoming season but Bielsa has gone after the much proven and experienced Scotsman who is extremely good at going forward as well as helping his side at the back. Don’t be surprised if he plays in a more advanced role down the left midfield.
