Latest reports from the Scottish Sun suggests that Leeds United are eyeing Brentford’s midfielder Lewis Macleod as a possible replacement for Samuel Saiz. The 24-year-old is currently in the final year of his contract, and it is expected that he won’t sign a new deal at Griffin Park. That could open the door for the Whites to sign him. However, they face a tough challenge from Macleod’s boyhood club Rangers who are also said to be interested in the midfielder’s signature.
Saiz’s potential exit came out of nowhere and is a big surprise to everyone involved at the club. However, the good thing is that the situation developed well in advance before the transfer window began so the Whites can plan and look for a replacement in the January window.
Macleod can be a decent like for like replacement, and he has done well for Brentford so far scoring three goals from midfield. What makes him an even better signing for the Whites is that he can play down the left flank as well, a position where Ezgjan Alioski has struggled for quite some time now.
Bielsa earlier played down (Leeds Live) the notion of the Whites doing any business in the January transfer window. However, we think that might change with possible injuries and departures of certain players. United needs to make sure that they are on the ascendency and the signing of Macleod can give them a significant boost in January.
Macleod might not be flashy or a big ticket marquee signing but he does the simple things right, and sometimes that is the most important thing to do. The Whites are on a good run right now as they have won all of their last five games, but sometimes they have been found wanting in the final third when it comes to picking out a killer pass or finishing off moves.
They rely heavily on Pablo Hernandez at the moment, and someone like Macleod can take some of the creative burdens off him. His work rate is solid, and on paper, this would be a smart addition for the Whites. The Bees are currently on the 19th spot and fighting for survival from relegation so the player might very well be tempted to move on in January.
However, Macleod happens to be a boyhood Rangers fan, and that can turn out to be a major obstacle for United if they are keen on signing him. But, we think the player should try to push for a move to Elland Road given that they are favourites to move to the Premier League and he can improve a whole lot as a player under Bielsa. The Scotsman is still 24, so he can probably head back to Ibrox later on in his career.
