In a recent print edition, Mundo Deportivo revealed that Leeds United are currently the favorites to sign SD Huesca full-back Javi Galan this summer. However, it is believed that the Whites could face competition in the form of Atletico Madrid and Sevilla in the race to land the Spanish defender in this off-season (transcripted and translated by Sport Witness).
Galan’s Tough Campaign In Spanish Football
Galan endured a difficult season at Huesca as he struggled to help his team avoid relegation from the Spanish top-flight. The Badajoz-born talent featured in 37 matches for the Spanish outfit last season, finding the back of the net once and providing two assists across all fronts.
On a personal front, the 26-year-old enjoyed a decent run of form after he averaged 2.4 tackles, 1.1 interceptions, 1.4 clearances, 1.1 key passes and 3.3 clearances per 90 minutes in La Liga. He even distributed the ball relatively well from the left flank, as evidenced by his pass success rate of 80.2% in the Spanish top tier (stats via whoscored).
Galan has got just over a year left to run in his current contract at Estadio El Alcoraz, so he could be available for a bargain fee which makes him a decent option for Leeds United to pursue during this summer transfer window.
What Will The Spanish Full-Back Bring To Elland Road?
Galan is a moderately paced full-back who can make some eye-catching runs with the ball down the left-wing. He is primarily a left-back but can also play in a more advanced role as a left-sided winger if needed. The Spaniard is a capable defender at the back as he can time his tackles well to earn possession back on the defensive end of the field. He is also not shy of putting his foot through the ball to clear the danger and can even create some decent chances for his teammates up top.
At 26, Galan is about to enter the prime years of his playing career which Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa could look to capitalize on in the coming seasons. The Whites boss could unlock the best out of the player and might help him grow into a class act at Elland Road.
We can expect Galan to bring some much-needed depth to Leeds’ match-day squad that might be enough for Bielsa’s men to compete across all competitions next season. Furthermore, the Huesca star could serve as an upgrade over Ezgjan Alioski at the West Yorkshire club. Hence, it makes sense for Leeds to engineer a move to bring Galan to Elland Road ahead of the new campaign.
