Leeds United were leading the table before injuries in the last month or so derailed their season slightly. They slipped to the third spot as they have won just twice in their previous seven games. Squad depth was always going to be an issue especially the style with which the current team plays under Marcelo Bielsa.
It is believed that to solve this situation, the former Argentina manager has already asked the owners to be ready for investment in January. Three positions have been identified where the gaffer feels he needs reinforcements. One of the areas is that of a winger, and we try to look at three wide men who can boost United’s pursuit of promotion to the English top flight.
Albert Adomah
United were linked with this Aston Villa man in the summer window but nothing materialised at that time. Adomah was even close to joining Middlesbrough, but that move fell through, and the winger stayed on with Aston Villa.
The Ghanaian is a veteran of over 340 games in the Championship and the pacy winger is still quite a handful down the flanks. Adomah hasn’t managed to affect the game that much this season for Villa as he has got just one assist in the Championship so far. Nevertheless, the experience and quality that Adomah has makes him a decent bet for Bielsa and should add depth to the squad.
Brahim Diaz
The 19-year-old Spaniard who was once dubbed as the new Messi has found it tough to break into Manchester City’s eleven given the talent they have at their disposal. Diaz likes to operate from central attacking positions, but he has also showcased his talent from both the flanks. Playing in the Guardiola system, Diaz would already be aware of the pressing tactics and movements, and we feel he would seamlessly fit into the Bielsa regime.
Guardiola is known to be influenced by Bielsa, and maybe the Leeds manager can use this relationship to bring another one of City’s wingers at Elland Road. Diaz is a bag of tricks, has tremendous pace and is creative enough to find a killer pass in the final third. Signing him permanently would be tough as he is highly regarded in the Manchester City ranks, so a loan deal remains the only option for the Whites.
Ademola Lookman
The 20-year-old Everton winger took the Bundesliga by storm last season when he was on loan at RB Leipzig. The winger managed five goals and four assists in 11 appearances, and he was destined for big things once he returned to the Merseyside outfit. However, a big summer spending and the signing of Bernard and Richarlison has pushed the 20-year-old winger down the pecking order.
He has played just 100 minutes of football so far this season, and with the options Marco Silva has, it seems unlikely that Lookman would get much game time apart from some time here and there in the domestic cup competitions. The Whites should definitely look to sign him in January and this talented youngster could be an excellent buy for Bielsa. However, the Whites might have to shell out big money to lure him. If the winger goes out of budget for Leeds, then maybe they can look for a loan deal.
