According to the latest reports from the Daily Record, Leeds United have entered the race to sign Brentford’s midfielder Romaine Sawyers. The Whites are yet to make any bids for the 27-year-old, but they are showing an interest in the Brentford captain. The player is currently involved with his side’s pre-season camp in Austria. Scottish Champions Celtic are also heavily linked with Sawyers at the moment.
Does Bielsa need a midfielder?
The club often relied on Mateusz Klich in central midfield, and the Polish midfielder started every game in the Championship last season. Midfield is considered to be one of the most hardworking positions on the pitch, and given Bielsa’s high-intensity playing style, Klich did look jaded on occasions in the second half of the season. Therefore there is a definite need to add depth and competition for places in midfield.
Sawyers can even turn out as an attacking midfielder, and that is one position the Whites have struggled to find options after the departure of Samuel Saiz. Pablo Hernandez could very likely play as the attacking midfielder next season, but Sawyers can also be an option if the Whites sign him.
Adam Forshaw is being linked with a move away from the club, so Bielsa is right in considering a move for a midfielder.
Is Sawyers a good option for Bielsa?
The Saint Kitts and Nevis international is more of an attacking midfielder, and he contributed with seven assists for Brentford last season. He failed to find the back of the net even once in his 46 appearances, but he was still an integral player for the Bees.
Sawyers is known for his close quarter control skill and his ability to wade out of tight spaces from midfield. He uses his strength and body well to shield the ball, and he is often a tough player to handle if he gets the ball in space in between the defence and midfield line. The 27-year-old is also able to produce some extraordinary skills out of nothing, but his flair means that he can be caught in possession on occasions. His work rate can also be questionable sometimes.
We feel that the Whites can look to aim higher in the transfer market if they want to sign an attack-minded midfielder. Sawyers might not be a bad option, but we don’t see him performing consistently at Elland Road. With the Whites set to challenge for Premier League promotion, they can probably sign a more stand out option.
