According to the latest reports, Leeds United are set to revisit one of their summer targets in the winter transfer period. The player is said to be Heracles Almelo’s winger Brandley Kuwas. It is believed that United tried to sign this Curacaoan attacking midfield earlier, but the move didn’t go through. It was reported that the Dutch outfit were looking for a fee of £3.25m.
The attacking midfielder cum winger is said to be in the final year of his contract, and it is believed that United could secure a pre-contract agreement in January and the player can move to England in the summer after his contract with the Dutch outfit expires.
Kuwas has the experience of over 100 games in the Eredivisie, but he has shot into the limelight since last year after an impressive season where he provided 16 assists and three goals in 33 appearances.
It’s clear that the midfielder’s pass picking ability in the final third is one of his major assets. However, his pace and direct style of play can also turn defenders on their heels. United just signed two permanent players in the summer and therefore signing someone like Kuwas would provide them with long-term benefits.
The26-year-old likes to play in the no.10 role and down the right flank. He is left-footed but prefers to play on the right as an inverted winger which allows him to cut on his favoured foot to come into more central areas of the pitch. For now, it might seem that United have cover in the right-wing department as they have the likes of Pablo Hernandez and Jack Harrison.
However, Hernandez will be 34 next season, and Harrison is likely to go back to his parent club Manchester City. Therefore, it makes sense for Bielsa to sanction this move in January even though the player might join Elland Road in the summer.
It remains to be seen whether the Whites would be willing to pay the amount which was quoted in the summer. It was reported before that United have identified three areas they want to strengthen and a winger was on that list. The club should first try to get him in January though as Kuwas can play a significant role in United’s promotion pursuit.
The Curacaoan winger has the technical qualities to thrive in the Championship but physically he might take some time to get used to the pace and tempo of the game in England. Nevertheless, the forward looks like a good bet from what we have seen and he has also started this season brightly for his side as Kuwas has managed two goals and two assists in 8 games so far.
