In a recent report, Mundo Deportivo has claimed that Leeds United are interested in Huesca left-back Javi Galan. The 26-year-old is available on a cut-price €4m deal following his side’s relegation this season from the Spanish top tier. A move to Elland Road might happen soon with Ezgjan Alioski’s future up in the air.
Despite being a ‘number 10’ or wide attacker, Marcelo Bielsa converted Alioski as a left fullback who eventually got the nod over Barry Douglas. The North Macedonian attuned to the Argentine’s attacking set-up, however, his decision of not penning a new deal has forced the management to explore the market extensively in recent months.
While the Whites must not give up yet on the 29-year-old, the rumour of his pre-contract agreement with Galatasaray can’t be ignored either. Leeds must find an able alternative to replace Alioski in the long run and the profile of Javi Galan ticks many boxes in that aspect.
The Spaniard has completed the league’s second most successful dribbles behind Lionel Messi, something that has made him an obvious choice for ‘Bielsa ball’. The Whites have entertained all with their brand of football and a visionary of Bielsa’s stature won’t compromise his philosophy even if he loses the best weapons from his armoury.
Why Leeds Need An Outright Left Fullback
The Whites roped in Barry Douglas from promoted Wolves three years ago. The Scotsman was supposed to resolve their left-back conundrum, but his form and fitness concerns sent him down the pecking order. Both Stuart Dallas and Alioski settled in as makeshift fullbacks and the 31-year-old is now being released from the club as his contract expires this month.
Leeds have secured a ninth-placed league finish on their top-flight return after 16 long years. But they must keep on improving to avoid a ‘second season syndrome’ and reaffirm their European supremacy as it used to be once upon a time.
Galan, meanwhile, made 37 La Liga appearances during the 2020-21 campaign. He scored once and registered two assists exhibiting his crossing traits, overlapping runs and cut insides from the wide while linking up in the attacking third. Although he has been found getting dispossessed while trying to retain possession, his recovery runs and hard tackles would make him a perfect fit for the Whites. Bielsa has improved all his players helping them overcome their limitations and it is to be seen now how quickly the former Cordoba man gets used to the grind and demands of the English game.
