Leeds United’s slight dip in form has coincided with some significant injuries, and it is no concomitance that they have picked up four points out of a possible nine in the last three games. The likes of Kemar Roofe, Patrick Bamford, Gaetano Berardi and Pablo Hernandez missed out those games and it is clear that Marcelo Bielsa has found it tough to cope without them.
Therefore, the month of January is going to be a crucial period for the Whites as they need to show ambition in the transfer market if they want to get to the Premier League via the automatic promotion spots. With United dropping points off late, the table has tightened up with just three points separating the league leaders from the seventh spot.
That’s why we believe Bielsa should put his relationship with Pep Guardiola to use in the winter transfer period to land Manchester City’s 19-year-old attacking midfielder Brahim Diaz. It is evident that City won’t sell him, so a loan move is what the Whites should look for in January.
The Spaniard has found it tough to break into the senior squad and has played in the Carabao Cup so far. We expect him to get chances in various cup competitions here and there, but that is about it as the City team is laden with some top class talents.
Diaz likes to play in a central attacking role but can feature from the wings as well. If one looks at the free-flowing role which Samuel Saiz plays in the squad, one cannot see his like for like replacement. Before the Whites suffer any major injury issues as the season wears by, they should chance their arm to land this 19-year-old Spaniard.
We have already seen how Jack Harrison has impressed in some of the games and he is not even one of the brightest talents to come out of the City’s academy system. Diaz is considered to be one of them along with Phil Foden, therefore, signing someone like Diaz would be a massive boost for Bielsa in their promotion run.
His technical ability on the ball is second to none and he has been compared with Lionel Messi for his similar playing style by certain sections in the media. The 19-year-old’s dribblings skills in tight spaces and the ability to pick out a pass are also worth mentioning. Diaz is already training with City’s first team so he would be well suited to take on Bielsa’s high tempo football. Guardiola would also be aware that his young talent would be in great hands if he allows him to leave in January. Therefore, it could be a win-win situation for all.
We have no doubt that Diaz is the game changer Bielsa needs to ensure an automatic promotion to the Premier League. Oh, and a striker in January would help also.
