Around a week ago, reports from TalkSport came out that Leeds United were interested in signing QPR’s midfielder Luke Freeman. The 26-year-old is an outright no. 10, and that is one of the areas where the Whites lack many options. However, if the latest reports from London Football News are to go by then, Middlesbrough are also in the mix to sign the attacking midfielder.
The Teessiders were linked with him in the summer of 2018, but nothing materialised at that time. However, they haven’t given up on him yet and are still keeping tabs on this playmaker. Freeman recently put in an impressive performance against Leeds United where the Whites went down to the R’ by one goal to nil.
His manager praised him and even went on to say that he is good enough to play for Leeds United. Steven McLaren had said, ”He showed his real quality and infectious enthusiasm that he gives to the team. When you’re looking for leadership and looking for people to have courage and take the ball, he’s got all that. He’s someone who can play at the top of the Championship, could play in that Leeds team and could play in the Premier League, so we’re delighted to have him here.”
There is no doubt in our mind that Leeds United are still going to be the frontrunners to sign Freeman over Middlesbrough even though Boro have been targeting him for close to a year now. The Whites are in a better position to move to the Premier League, and Freeman might be attracted to move to a top-flight club.
Moreover, working under Bielsa should also be a significant attraction especially for attacking players as the Whites play a dynamic brand of football. On the other hand, Tony Pulis is more conservative and pragmatic in his approach. Therefore a player like Freeman should be more attracted to move to Elland Road.
The 26-year-old is also often on set-piece duties for his side, and his impressive work rate should suit Bielsa’s footballing philosophy well. Freeman’s manager also believes that he is suited to play at the top club and given QPR’s situation in the Championship, they might not be able to keep hold of him beyond this season.
The entrance of Middlesbrough in the race, therefore, shouldn’t be too much of a worry for the Whites as they are a more attractive playing destination than the Teessiders at the moment. If the West Yorkshire outfit moves to the Premier League, then there is no doubt to us that Freeman will prefer to move to Elland Road over the Riverside Stadium.
