Leeds United have had a few busy few days in the transfer window as they secured some signings in quick succession. One area where they are looking to improve massively on is the wide areas. The club have already secured the services of Helder Costa and Jack Harrison for the next season. Leeds United are still reportedly (Bristol Post) after Liverpool winger Ryan Kent. However, the race for Kent is going to stretch on further after the latest update from the Daily Record.
Bad news for Leeds United
The report mentions that Jurgen Klopp could hand his feared attacking trio an extended three week holidays after they return from national duties. Liverpool Echo has confirmed that Roberto Firmino and Alisson Becker won’t be joining the Liverpool squad until the end of July. It could also mean that Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane could be handed the same privilege as they too are busy with Africa Cup of nations with their respective teams.
This might mean that Liverpool could go into their first game of the season with backup options like Divock Origi, Rhian Brewster, Adam Lallana and Xherdan Shaqiri. Ryan Kent might not be able to get into the starting eleven, but Klopp will very likely keep him on the bench against Norwich on the 10th of August.
Kent is anyway going to be part of Liverpool’s setup in the preseason, and this new update is a concerning one for the Whites. Bielsa showed last season that he would prefer to use players who had a good preseason with the team.
Moreover, getting used to his philosophy and playing style might take some time so we think that Leeds United should also keep an eye on someone else as well for the left wing position if things don’t fall into place with Kent.
Threat from Rangers and what should Bielsa do next?
The English winger had a terrific campaign at Ibrox last season, and Gerrard is once again keen to have him. It is unlikely that the Whites will pay £12m to land Kent permanently, so it is going to be a loan move for the Liverpool man. In that case, Rangers will very much be a significant threat for the Whites in the transfer window as Kent settled in well in Scotland and is already a fan favourite at Ibrox.
The Whites will open their season on 4th of August and ideally, they will want to acquire the players before that. Kent saga is likely to go down to the wire, and the club should keep an eye on alternatives.
