Ben White’s arrival at Leeds United didn’t make a lot of news as he was mostly an unknown quantity as he hadn’t played in the Championship or the Premier League before. He had spent time on loan with League One outfit Peterborough United, but question marks were there whether he would be able to step up for a team which is looking for promotion to the Premier League.
The Brighton defender though has started the season strongly and has by far been one of the most consistent players so far. His reading of the game and decision making makes him a stand out option. He is also comfortable playing out from the back, and he seems like an ideal Bielsa player.
Update on White
However, Leeds Live journalist Beren Cross recently in a Q and A session gave a piece of worrying news for the fans. The journalist revealed that Brighton recalling Ben White could not be ruled out completely. He said, ”While I don’t believe Nketiah will be recalled, I do think Ben White is playing so well we have to at least consider the possibility Brighton either want to play him or sell him for a lot of money to another PL club.”
Champions League holders Liverpool were recently linked with White for a January move. If the Reds make a top offer, then Brighton could very well consider selling him for big money by recalling him back from Elland Road.
Leeds United could end up being the biggest loser if something like that happens as they don’t have too many options at the back at the moment and White has been exceptional so far in defence.
What now for Bielsa?
White’s impressive performances wouldn’t have gone unnoticed with Brighton, and even they might want to bring him back to add more depth and competition for places at the back. That could seriously derail Leeds United’s campaign. It would be advisable for the club to monitor some defensive targets for January who could come in if they went on to lose White.
This is always the risk while signing on loan players as parent clubs can call them back according to their needs. Nobody expected White to be this good, but he has now emerged as a mainstay at the back. Also, the latest update from Cross will be slightly worrying. However, the fact that he is playing regularly might help the Whites in keeping hold of him as that is helping in the defender’s development.
