A promising start under Marcelo Bielsa ended in heartbreak for Leeds United last season. The Whites are desperate to script a Premier League return this time around but, at the same time, must spend wisely in the ongoing transfer window to regroup themselves for a more systematised promotion push.
The West Yorkshire giants have been linked to an array of new names already with Josh Brownhill, the Bristol City ace, the latest one to join the list according to Sky Sports Transfer Centre (Friday 7 June, 09:56). Leeds, however, are not alone in the chase as Derby County as well as Premier League duo Brighton & Hove Albion and Sheffield United are also keen on roping in the 23-year-old ahead of the upcoming campaign.
The Robins’ ‘number 8’ has been excellent in the middle of the park having appeared 49 times altogether during the 2018-19 season. He has found the net six times and assisted four times, but contributed significantly in the build-ups while orchestrating the tempo from a central role.
Brownhill, a former Manchester United schoolboy player, completed a Bosman switch to Bristol from Preston North End three years back. At Bristol, he has made 132 appearances so far, and an impressive spell at Ashton Gate is now drawing the attention of many over a potential summer transfer.
The youngster is lauded for his work ethics and consistency that saw him grab a regular role week in week out. His passing, shooting, dribbling and holding attributes along with vision and composure make him an integral part of Lee Johnson’s ambitious project in the second tier of English football.
The all-round ability has made him a prime transfer target of Bielsa who is in desperate need of more creativity in midfield following the exit of Samuel Saiz. Mateusz Klich had his moments early in the campaign but faded off during the decisive contests. Adam Forshaw is only useful as a squad option whereas both Kemar Roofe and Tyler Roberts are more influential in the attacking third rather than featuring centrally as part of Leeds ‘midfield four’.
Brownhill, meanwhile, is contracted until 2021 and considered as the vital cog of their promotion challenge having missed out on a playoff place marginally. It would be tricky to lure in the young sensation as Bristol City, his current employers, are expected to play hardball to keep hold of their prized asset beyond this window. However, Bielsa should try and make this happen to ensure that there is a proper creative outlet in the Leeds midfield.
