Leeds United‘s long-term target Kyle Bartley is now being linked with a move to West Bromwich Albion. The Swansea City defender had a loan spell at Elland Road in the 2016-17 campaign and went on to become one of the fan favourites at the club. Ever since then he has been linked with a permanent move to Leeds but nothing has materialised as of now.
Even though he has been a fringe player for the Swans over the years, he is considered as an important player for them. Last year, Carlos Carvalhal had handed him the captain’s armband for some matches even though he never was a regular in the playing eleven for them.
The new Swansea manager Graham Potter will also like to have someone of Bartley’s calibre in the squad as he is expected to lose his key defender Alfie Mawson. It is likely that Bartley will be a regular at the Liberty Stadium if he sticks with them.
Leeds recently appointed Marcelo Bielsa as their new manager and they have made their first signing of the season in Lewis Baker. One can expect some more transfer activities from the Whites and to sign a proven centre-back will be of utmost priority for the club.
With West Brom also entering the race, Leeds will have to make a move soon to land Bartley if they are serious about getting him. The defender had impressed everyone in that 2016-17 season as he made 46 appearances for them. The Peacocks are currently looking for an able partner for Pontus Jansson and Bartley will certainly be a top option to have at Elland Road.
More than just a defender, Bartley is a leader at the back and commands the back line well. His leadership qualities are often talked about and even though he wasn’t a regular starter for Swansea, he had captained them on quite a few occasions.
The Whites had finished 13th last season and they look far way off from challenging for a playoff spot. A lot will be expected out of Marcelo Bielsa in the upcoming season but the Argentine manager will need to bring in reinforcements to the squad especially in the defensive area as they conceded 64 goals in the league last season.
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Bartley will certainly be a solid option to have and he already has an experience of playing at the club so that will be an added advantage for the Peacocks. The Baggies might be in good position to sign him but the Whites should go all in to sign the 27-year-old defender if they are serious about challenging for a playoff spot.
