Not too long ago, reports from Spanish media (Sport) said that Leeds United were one of the teams interested in signing Juventus forward Moise Kean on loan. However, the latest reports from Calicomercato suggests that the young forward is only likely to move to Bundesliga, Eredivisie or Ligue 1 clubs.
Given that he plays for a club of Juventus’ stature, coming down to play in the Championship would have been a major step down from the forward’s point of view, and this shouldn’t be too surprising for the club.
Kean became the first player born in the 21st century to play in one of Europe’s five major leagues when he made his debut in 2016 for Juventus. However, since then the young forward has had to bide his time on the bench given the quality the Italian giants currently have at their disposal. Cristiano Ronaldo, Mario Mandzukic and Pablo Dybala are definitely ahead in the pecking order and it is no surprise that the 18-year-old could look for a move away in January on loan.
As for Leeds United, it was never really likely that they would get Kean. More so after Bielsa played down (Leeds Live) any possible January signings. However, the club should definitely add some reinforcements at the back and in the goalkeeping department after some significant injury issues.
Kemar Roofe has been Bielsa’s go-to man to start up front, and the Englishman has been impressive more often than not. The 25-year-old is not only a goalscorer, but he usually drops down deep to create chances for his other team-mates and works extremely hard off the ball to press opponents. Apart from him, Wales international Tyler Roberts is an option, and the youngster did well when Roofe was out with an injury.
United’s marquee signing Patrick Bamford is set to be back somewhere around January and the former Championship player of the season could be termed as a new signing when he gets back. Therefore given such options, we don’t see the Whites being too ‘keen on Kean’ anyway.
The Italian has just made five appearances for Juventus so far, and there seems to be no way in for him in the first team. The striker’s record at youth level has been exemplary so far, and it is time for him to start replicating those numbers at the senior level. Roberto Mancini has already called him up to the senior squad as he made his debut recently against the USA.
With age on his side, he can still wait for his chances at Juventus but moving away on loan in January could be the right ploy. With the new reports coming in, this loan spell doesn’t seem happening at Elland Road, and we for one don’t think Bielsa would be disappointed.
