According to the latest reports from Brighton and Hove Independent, Leeds United tried to include a loan to buy option for defender Ben White, but Brighton didn’t want a clause included for a permanent deal in the future. Marcelo Bielsa is known to be a big admirer of the player and the club wanted to have a similar arrangement in place like they did with Helder Costa where the Whites would be able to sign the winger permanently next summer for £15m.
However, Brighton are aware of the talent that White possesses, and they thwarted Leeds’ approach to include a permanent move in the loan deal. The defender signed a new contract with the Seagulls in April 2018, and his current deal will keep him at the Amex Stadium until 2022.
Leeds United parted ways with Pontus Jansson who was one of the top defenders in the EFL Championship last season. Quite a few including us were sceptical about whether White would be able to fill in the void left by the Swedish international. The 21-year-old though has settled in at Elland Road like fish takes to water and the young English defender hasn’t put a foot wrong so far this season.
White’s strengths
After a few games, it’s clear why the Yorkshire side wanted to have a permanent deal for the centre back. He looks calm and composed in possession and can read the game well. The defender always seems to have that extra bit of second as he hardly seems fazed or hurried. He might not be the most well-built player, but White has been able to cope with the physical challenges of the Championship so far.
Leeds United have just three outright centre back options as they allowed Aapo Halme to leave this summer. Therefore a lot will rest on the senior defenders, and Bielsa will hope that he can play White and Cooper for the majority of their Championship matches.
Can the Whites sign him in the future?
Brighton might have thwarted away Leeds’ interest for now, but we think that United can return for the defender if they get promoted to the Premier League. Bielsa will have the financial muscle to get the player, and White too might push for a move to Elland Road as Brighton have a reliable defensive pair in the form of Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy.
Therefore a future move for White from the Whites cannot be counted out, especially if they can secure a promotion at the end of this campaign.
