According to Mirror, Leeds United have faced a massive blow in pursuit of Louie Sibley. As we head closer towards to Friday’s deadline, for the domestic transfer window in England, Derby County have slapped a £15 million price-tag for their prized youngster.
It is believed to be too expensive for a Leeds United side who have spent £100 million so far this summer. As a result, the Whites may have to drop their interest on Sibley, with Victor Orta now looking to offload some of the fringe players in the team, including Barry Douglas (reliable reporting from Phil Hay states he is undergoing a medical at Blackburn Rovers).
Here’s What Louie Sibley Could Have Brought To The Table
A product of the Derby County youth academy, Sibley is now being regarded as one of Championship’s most talented youngsters following his promotion to the senior side in February. He was involved in 11 league matches last season, scoring five goals and providing two assists.
An attacking midfielder by trade, Sibley’s style of play can be compared to Chelsea starlet Mason Mount. He is a dynamic attacker, who likes to take on the opposition, hovering in and around the penalty area.
What makes him such a sought-after asset in the English second division is his vicious left foot. The 19-year-old has a remarkable eye for goal and is a threat from long-range, with eight of his 20 shots on goal coming from outside the box. Two of his five were even scored from outside the 18-yard box.
Aside from his shooting, however, Sibley is a gifted dribbler, who can use his quick-feet to deceive the opposition. Unfortunately, it is impossible to back those traits with proper statistics given how little football he has played so far in his professional career.
Why He Could Have Been Useful For Leeds United
Sibley’s potential addition to Leeds United could have solved one of their biggest issues, which revolves around the lack of options in the number ten role.
Marcelo Bielsa, in his current roster, doesn’t have a proper alternative for Pablo Hernandez. The Spaniard himself is in the final phase of his career, and his fitness should not be taken for granted.
The Whites do have the services of Tyler Roberts, but the Welshman has failed to integrate himself to the Premier League while new signing Rodrigo Moreno is better fitted in a more advanced role. That is where someone like Sibley could have been useful.
The Derby County youngster could have provided that creative essence in the final third whilst forming a partnership alongside the likes of Mateusz Klich and Kalvin Phillips.
There is always a question as to whether or not the 19-year-old can settle into the fast-paced nature of the Premier League, but Bielsa is indeed running a huge gamble by not signing an alternative for Hernandez this season.
Stat courtesy: Whoscored
