According to the latest reports from Leeds Live as cited by Wales Online, Leeds United are interested in bringing in Iranian midfielder Saeid Ezatolahi to Elland Road. Ezatolahi currently plies his trade in the Russian top flight for FC Rostov. The midfielder had a loan stint with Reading in the second half of the last campaign where he made just four appearances. However, he was impressive in those games before a groin injury cut short his stint in England.
Atletico Madrid had signed him, and he played for their u-19 side. He wasn’t able to make the cut to their senior team and later moved on to Rostov. The 22-year-old has represented his national side 28 times in his short career, and he is considered as the mainstay in midfield for years to come for them.
Ezatolahi has had three different loan spells since he moved to FC Rostov in 2015. His contract with them is set to expire in the summer, and the young midfielder is going to be available on a free transfer. He looks set to be a free agent as he hasn’t really been able to break into the Russian side’s first team.
Why Leeds United need a midfielder?
Mateusz Klich, Kalvin Phillips and Adam Forshaw are the only midfield options for the club. The likes of Jamie Shackleton and Mateusz Bogusz can feature in that role more prominently in the next season, but it wouldn’t be a bad idea from Bielsa to add more depth to the squad.
Klich played in every game in the Championship for the club, and he looked jaded on various occasions. Given Bielsa’s playing style, having a fresh midfielder to start now and then would be a good idea.
What will Saeid Ezatolahi bring to Elland Road?
Ezatolahi is known as a midfield workhorse who covers every blade of grass. He is predominantly a defensive midfielder so Bielsa might be looking at him as a backup option to Phillips. The Iranian might not be as impressive as Phillips on the ball, but he can do the nitty gritty job well in midfield.
The 22-year-old showcases an impressive work rate and can make crucial tackles and interceptions as a defensive midfielder. Physically, he should be able to cope up with the challenges of the Championship as he is known for his strength in the middle of the park.
Worth signing?
Might not be a kind of signing which will bring the Leeds fans on their feet, but the Iranian can be a decent squad player. On a free transfer, he can be a shrewd signing for the club.
