According to L’Equipe, Leeds United are interested in Romain Perraud. The Whites are involved in a three-way battle with Newcastle United and Southampton in the pursuit of the Stade Brest defender. He is expected to leave Brest in the summer, despite the club managing to survive the drop narrowly. Southampton appear to be the frontrunners in the chase, but that could change soon if Leeds United or NUFC step up their respective pursuits.
Romain Perraud’s Success At Brest This Season
Romain Perraud has been a part of the Stade Brest setup since 2019 when he joined the club in a €2 million move from OGC Nice. Since then, the fullback has become an indispensable figure of the club’s backline, as well as one of Ligue 1’s best performing left-backs.
This season, in particular, has been an excellent one for Perraud, who has scored thrice while registering seven assists in 36 league matches. His contributions going forward was critical in helping Brest avoid relegation by a single point.
As his tally suggests, Perraud is indeed an attacking footballer. He loves to move forward and make overlapping runs out wide, allowing the attackers to run into central areas and create numerical superiority in the final third.
Perraud is no slouch when it comes to defending, though. He is particularly known for his aggression and work ethic – making him one of the most sought after left-backs available in the French market this summer.
Should Leeds United Step Up Their Pursuit?
Romain Perraud appears to be an excellent attacking fullback who can light up the Premier League with his work rate going forward. His movements out wide should also give Jack Harrison the freedom to join Patrick Bamford in a more central area.
Leeds United are currently in desperate need of a left-back as well, as Ezgjan Alioski’s future continues to hang in the balance. Even if the North Macedonian attacker does remain at Elland Road, Marcelo Bielsa needs a good competitor and more importantly, a natural fit in the left wingback position.
Perraud is a fantastic option, given his characteristics and style of play that are ideally suited to Bielsa’s tactical philosophy. Additionally, the Frenchman has garnered a significant amount of experience in the French top flight, which could be useful as Leeds United look to push for the European places next season.
Considering Brest’s financial problems, Perraud is unlikely to cost a fortune either – potentially making him a bargain, not just for Leeds United but for any of the three clubs involved in the race.
