According to Tuttomercatoweb, Leeds United have cooled their interest in Erick Pulgar. The Fiorentina midfielder was expected to leave the club this January after being omitted from Cesare Prandelli’s plans. However, the Whites appeared to have walked back from their interest in the Chilean international and are unlikely to make a move for him this month.
The 4th Official takes a look at three alternatives for Erick Pulgar Leeds United should target in this January transfer window.
Yan Dhanda
Yan Dhanda has emerged as quite the option for Leeds United as they look to bolster their midfield unit. The Swansea star has enjoyed a lot of success at Liberty Stadium, becoming a key player for the Swansea in the middle third of the pitch.
A former member of the Liverpool youth academy, Dhanda is an attacking-minded midfielder who is capable of creating chances in the final third. He loves to attack the opposition and can thus be considered as an ideal alternative for Mateusz Klich. His experience in English football also makes him a less risky option when compared to Pulgar.
A move for Dhanda isn’t unlikely either, as Swansea might be forced into a sale amid the financial crisis brought upon by the ongoing pandemic. He is, therefore, one of the players Leeds United should definitely target.
Mahmoud Dahoud
Leeds United, at the moment, need some versatility and creativity in midfield, which is why they should definitely keep an eye on Mahmoud Dahoud this January.
The Borussia Dortmund star has had a difficult season so far, despite enjoying a promising start to the campaign. He has lacked regular game-time, especially after the appointment of Edin Terzic as the interim head coach. A move away from Westfalenstadion could thus be a possibility.
A central midfielder by trade, Dahoud is blessed with the technical prowess and the tenacity required to excel under Marcelo Bielsa’s tutelage. He also has loads of experience at the highest level of football – making him an ideal alternative for Pulgar.
Joe Willock
Joe Willock might be an interesting option for Leeds United for multiple reasons. A product of the Arsenal youth academy, the young midfielder, is capable of thriving under Bielsa’s system due to his technical prowess. In addition, he is extremely versatile and can operate in the wider midfield role, if necessary.
It should open up a host of tactical possibilities for Bielsa. Moreover, Willock himself has been around the senior footballing scene for a couple of years now and has regularly impressed in the UEFA Europa League.
At Arsenal, the Englishman has found himself trailing the likes of Mohamed Elneny, Emile Smith Rowe and others in the pecking order. Hence, a move to Elland Road should serve as an ideal opportunity for him to potentially revive his career. Leeds United’s attacking philosophy should also tune in well with the midfielder’s characteristics, making him another exciting alternative for Pulgar.
