The transfer window for permanent moves has already shut down, but the Championship clubs can still bring players on loan and sign free agents. Leeds United have had a rollicking start to the new season under Marcelo Bielsa as they sit on top of the table. However, it would be interesting to see whether they can sustain this run of good form in the long term as they didn’t have a fruitful transfer window.
Though there is still time for the Whites to make some last minute additions to their squad and more importantly these signings won’t cost a penny. So we try to look at five free agents United can go after to bolster their squad.
Claudio Yacob
The 31-year-old Argentine is looking for a new club after his contract with West Bromwich Albion expired last month. The defensive midfielder can be a handy addition to the Whites’ squad and can add good competition for places. He can play just in front of the defence, a position which is currently occupied by Kalvin Phillips. The youngster struggled against Swansea City, so having an experienced player in big games could be the right way to go for Bielsa. The midfielder spent seven seasons at the Midlands club and had an experience of playing 160 times in the English top flight. Bielsa’s countryman makes a case for himself to be picked up for free.
Bakary Sako
Ezgjan Alioski has played continuously down the left-hand side of midfield and in the absence of Stuart Dallas, the Whites don’t have an out and out left midfielder. Sako could be the man to fill in the void as he was recently released by Crystal Palace after his contract expired. The 30-year-old is known for his bursting pace, and he can also play in other positions. The former Wolves winger has a decent record in the Championship as he has scored 24 goals and assisted 21 times in just 78 appearances.
Philipp Wollscheid
The German international could be another shrewd option to have at the back. He had earlier played in England as he was with Stoke City for two years from 2015-2017. He has an experience of over 100 games in the Bundesliga, and the 29-year-old is a good all round defender. He is dominant in the air and is useful in his tackles as well.
Wollscheid left Ligue 1 outfit Metz in January, and the Whites can have him as a backup option for the centre back position. We saw how an injury to Liam Cooper made Bielsa play right-back Luke Ayling in the central defensive role. Wollscheid can solve some of the issues with squad depth in the centre-half position.
James Collins
The 35-year-old Welsh centre-half can be used as another backup option in the heart of the defence. Having an experience of over 250 games in the Premier League would stand him in good stead. However, it would be interesting to see whether he will be able to adapt to Bielsa’s dynamic tactics. But having a big no-nonsense defender in the squad always makes sense as they help in seeing out games against oppositions who would thump long balls in the box.
Youssouf Mulumbu
The former Norwich City midfielder is currently 31 and last played for Scottish outfit Kilmarnock from where he was released last season. The midfielder can be a decent addition to Bielsa’s squad as he can play the anchor role well in midfield.
