According to La Repubblica, as cited by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are among clubs interested in Fredrik Andre Bjorkan. The FK Bodo left-back has attracted a lot of attention following his performances in the Norwegian top-flight. Although the Whites are leading the pack when it comes to interest from England, they could face stiff competition from Newcastle United and Norwich City while Sampdoria are also keen on securing his services.
Who Is Fredrik Andre Bjorkan?
Part of the Bodo/Glimt senior side since 2015, Bjorkan has made quite a name for himself in recent years. He has become an ever-present figure in the starting lineup for his team, notably mustering 59 league appearances in the last two seasons in the Eliteserien. Overall, the fullback has racked up 100 competitive appearances for the club.
Bjorkan is an attacking fullback, by trade. He can provide relentless support from the left flank and has the ability to not only whip in crosses from wider positions but also associate through the middle. The Norwegian has a good awareness of his surroundings, making him capable of finding key passes in the final third.
Defensively, the 22-year-old is an efficient ball-winner. He might not be particularly impressive when it comes to tackling, but what Bjorkan lacks in strength and defensive astuteness, he makes up for it with his ability to read the game. It makes him quite similar to Borussia Dortmund’s Raphael Guerreiro, although the Portuguese international is far superior when it comes to technical prowess.
Why Leeds United Should Sign Bjorkan This January
The departure of Barry Douglas in the summer has left Leeds United quite shallow in the fullback department. The injury to key centre-backs have already forced Marcelo Bielsa to deploy right-back, Luke Ayling, in central defence. As a result, Stuart Dallas has featured on the right side, leaving Ezgjan Alioski as the only option on the opposite flank.
Although the Macedonian has done a decent job so far, he certainly needs some competition and that is where Bjorkan comes into the fray. The young Norwegian fullback has the attacking tendencies necessary to thrive under the footballing philosophy of Bielsa while his athletic nature could also aid him in the fast-paced nature of the Premier League.
Although it remains to be seen whether Bjorkan has the discipline needed to get used to Bielsa’s high-octane football, he is certainly an exciting option for the Whites as they look to reinforce their defensive unit this month. And unlike English alternatives, the 22-year-old shouldn’t cost a fortune either – making him an ideal target for the Yorkshire outfit.
