Leeds United struggled to keep up with the competitions in the Championship and failed to even qualify for the playoffs last season. However, they seem determined to go all the way in the upcoming campaign, after giving Marcelo Bielsa the keys to the squad.
The new manager is already desperate to add some quality to his first team and will look at established stars. But one domestic player they are now after is Yasin Ben El-Mhanni.
The Chelsea born youngster started his youth career with Aldershot Town and joined Newcastle United in 2016, after stints with Lewes and Farnborough. He made his debut for the side in January last year, coming off the bench in his side’s victory over Birmingham in the FA Cup. It looked like he would be used extensively in cup competitions but the Magpies did not go too far that season, getting knocked out in the next round.
However, he was unsettled at the club at the start of this year, after he officially lodged a complaint against Peter Beardsley, the U23 coach at Newcastle. Beardsley was found guilty of discrimination and was relieved of his duties after the end of the season.
This also meant that El-Mhanni will now leave Newcastle United as a free agent. He did have trials with clubs like Chelsea and Arsenal before joining Newcastle United and reports now suggest that he is a transfer target for the Whites.
A pacey winger, who loves to have the ball at his feet, the 22-year old is a gifted player, with decent technique and understanding of the game. He is yet to make a single league appearance in the Premier League or the Championship and will want to join a side that can offer him regular game time.
It is understood that the likes of Watford, Rangers and Sporting Lisbon are all interested in his services. But as a free agent, El-Mhanni has the opportunity to choose his next club and Leeds United might not be a bad option.
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The manager at Elland Road is not afraid to give youngsters an opportunity in his first team and will definitely give the 22-year old enough time to settle into the game. He is still a raw talent and needs to work on improving his game and playing for a club in the Championship is certain to help him turn into a better player.
