According to the latest reports from Leeds Live, Leeds United are closing in on a deal for Brighton And Hove Albion’s centre back Ben White. It is going to be a loan move as the Whites have decided to lean heavily on the loan market to bolster their squad for a promotion push. Noted journalist Phil Hay, formerly head of Leeds United football at Yorkshire Post, also gave an update yesterday morning that Ben White would undergo a medical on the same day. Given how reliable Phil Hay is we can consider the medical done without any issues as otherwise, we would have definitely seen reports on that.
Does Leeds United need a centre back?
Pontus Jansson and Liam Cooper played in the heart of the defence for the most parts last season. Gaetano Berardi was the other centre back option for Marcelo Bielsa. However, Jansson’s future is slightly in doubt, and even Gaetano Berardi has been linked with a move away from the club.
Last season, Bielsa had to turn to Kalvin Phillips to play as a centre back during certain stages. Young Finnish defender Aapo Halme also managed to get his debut as the team was suffering from injury issues. Luke Ayling also played a few games as a centre back.
We think that there is a clear need for the club to add one more centre back option to their arsenal. Having too many makeshift players play in positions they are not comfortable in is never ideal, and we think that Bielsa is right in adding more depth and competition for places at the back.
Can White be a decent signing for Leeds United?
The defender spent the second half of last season on loan with Peterborough United where he made 15 appearances for them. White might be coming from a Premier League club, but he is yet to have any experience of playing at the top level. He has only made two senior appearances for the Seagulls which came in the EFL cup tie.
The Whites will hope that the 21-year-old could be their version of Fikayo Tomori or Tyrone Mings. These players came from the Premier League last season and helped their respective clubs in their promotion pursuit. However, we think that White might struggle to get regular game time at Elland Road if the likes of Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson are fit and available.
The English defender is known for his on the ball qualities as White can play out from the back. However, his lack of experience at the top level might mean that he could take some time to get going at Elland Road. Nevertheless, it is a much-needed signing for the club as they look to cover all the areas for the next season.
