Leeds United got off to a winning start as they blew away Bristol City in their opening game of the season. The action now shifts in the boardroom as we have just two days remaining in the transfer market and the Whites have sanctioned a sale (Yorkshire Evening Post) of last season’s top scorer Kemar Roofe.
We can very much expect the Whites to look for a replacement. Phil Hay in a Q and A session with the Atheltic (Subscription Required) revealed that the Whites could sign as many as four players before the window shuts down. The Whites have a real interest for young Inter Milan’s duo of Ryan Nolan and Facundo Colidio. The signing of Ryan Kent also remains a possibility, and a goalkeeper could also be on the cards. Eddie Nketiah is another player who has been linked recently. We look at where will all these players fit in and what can they offer.
Ryan Nolan
The 20-year-old Irish defender was the captain of Inter Milan’s u-19 team last season. The centre back is rated highly, and defence is one of the positions where the Whites should want to add a bit more cover as Pontus Jansson departed this summer.
However, Phil Hay believes that Nolan is most likely to be seen as an option for the u-23 side. The Whites also parted ways with Aapo Halme this window, so there is a need for a young defender for the development side. If he manages to impress there, then he can certainly be pushed to the senior team.
Ryan Kent
Bielsa believes that he can mould the Liverpool winger to play in a central role. That is what Phil Hay is reporting, and he believes that the club is likely to go for him now that Roofe’s sale has gone through to Anderlecht. The winger is quick and has a trick or two up his sleeve to go past his man. His work rate and endurance could be one of the biggest reasons why Bielsa could go after him. However, Kent hasn’t got much experience of leading the line, and Leeds fans would probably just have to keep calm and trust Bielsa on this.
Facundo Colidio
Another Inter Milan youngster in whom the Yorkshire side are interested. The u-20 Argentine international is a forward, and he is known to be a lethal finisher. He is yet to play at the senior level for Milan, but once again, he is touted to have a big future. Hay mentions that Colidio could be seen as an option for the u-23 team.
Eddie Nketiah
The latest report from Phil Hay suggests that Leeds United are interested in signing Arsenal’s young forward Eddie Nketiah on loan. The striker enjoyed a good pre-season and is going to be a more orthodox option to replace Roofe. One can expect some fierce competition for his signature, though.
Orta already shares a rapport with Unai Emery because of his previous stint with Sevilla so that is something which can go in the Whites’ favour. The striker has already made 19 senior team appearances for the Gunners and is known for his sharp movement and blistering pace.
Goalkeeper
Hay doesn’t mention a name, but the signing of a goalkeeper could be in the offing. Not surprising to see after Peacock-Farrell moved to Burnley.
