After a few weeks of stumbles, Leeds United have managed to open up a five-point gap on the second spot over Fulham. The Whites are unbeaten in their last three games, winning two of those. Promotion once again looks within grasp of Bielsa and his men and the fans will hope that they can go through to the Premier League without any hiccups. Leeds will have to spend and add reinforcements to the squad if they go up. Phil Hay of the Athletic revealed that Leeds United have signings worth £45m lined up for if they get promoted to the top tier.
The Yorkshire side are obligated to sign Helder Costa for £15m next season. Jean-Kevin Augustin is also on a similar boat, but his clause worth £17m would only be triggered if United achieve promotion. Bielsa also has an option to sign Harrison for £8m according to Hay. However, the Whites are not obligated to get the Harrison deal over the line. Illan Meslier who impressed in some of his appearances has also got an option to move permanently for £5m.
We try to look at whether they will be worth the price.
Helder Costa
This is a transfer which Leeds United cannot turn their back on, and they will have to spend £15m for the Portuguese. It is fair to say that he hasn’t lived up to expectations but has shown glimpses of his capability. Many would agree that Wolves are getting a better deal here, but if Costa can turn things around then, this might look like a decent deal. Costa is still 26, so he is in his prime. We believe that he needs to show a bit more quality to be worth the price tag.
Jean-Kevin Augustin
We have seen far too little of him in United colours to pass judgement on whether he would be worth going for £17m. The Premier League will be a big step up, but if Augustin manages to settle in at Elland Road, then he can be a handy player. At the moment, it is impossible to pass judgement on the January arrival.
Jack Harrison
Harrison has quite often been United’s best attacker this season. He has almost two years of experience of playing under Bielsa, and we think that the Whites will likely try to bring him in for £8m. However, we believe that Harrison would only be good enough to be a backup at the Premier League level, and the Whites should not rely on him to be the first choice left-winger. Given his age and experience of playing under Bielsa, £8m price tag sounds just about okay for the Whites.
Illan Meslier
£5m for him could turn out to be a massive bargain in a few years. This is one deal where we believe that Leeds don’t need to think much. The French goalkeeper has everything to his game which a modern-day goalkeeper needs and United should look to get him in the summer.
