According to the latest reports from Football Insider, Leeds United are plotting a move for Manchester City’s winger Brandon Barker. The Englishman spent the last season with Championship outfit Preston North End where he managed to make 20 appearances in all competitions.
Leeds United have even been linked with a return of Jack Harrison again. However, reports emerged that Manchester City are valuing him at an absurd price of £20m. Good luck to them for finding a suitor for Harrison for that price. Now it seems like Leeds United have moved on to another Man City left winger and this time it’s Barker.
Barker has had loan spells at Hibernian, NAC Breda and Rotherham United before and he is unlikely to come anywhere close to the Manchester City senior team. The Englishman will enter into the final year of his contract, but Leeds United are only looking for a loan deal here.
The Whites managed to finish third in the Championship last season, and they will be considered as one of the favourites to move up in the next season as they have managed to keep hold of Marcelo Bielsa.
What will Barker bring at Elland Road?
The 22-year-old is known for his terrifying pace and his ability to drive the ball forward. There always seems to be a high intensity about his game and not many defenders would be able to match up to him when he runs at full tilt. However, his positives end right there as he has been far too inconsistent throughout his career. His final product is also questionable. Barker struggled with injuries last season, and that is why he missed a good chunk of games for Preston.
Is he good enough for Leeds United?
If the Whites are serious about moving up a division, then they should avoid signing someone like Barker. He is average at best, and even though the Whites desperately need to add a left winger to their squad, they should look to aim higher. His performances last season in the Championship was nothing much to talk about as he assisted just two goals in the Championship and scored none.
Leeds United dominated their games, but they were unable to make the final breakthrough in the attacking third and Barker also has the same problem as he has never managed to come up with attacking returns consistently. He might come up with an odd spectacular performance here and there, but we don’t see him as a top option.
