The summer transfer window of 2017 saw a lot of fresh faces being lured to the Elland Road, with the likes of Ezgjan Alioski, Mateusz Klich, Felix Wiedwald and Samu Saiz giving their consent to ply their trade for Leeds United.
Under the stewardship of Garry Monk, the Whites went close to earning a top-six finish, but owing to their sporadic run of form during the business end of the season, they withered away and lost the chance of promotion. It was a massive chance that went wasted.
Additions were needed and the board rightfully did so. However, Thomas Christiansen, who was appointed as the heir to Monk, hasn’t really convinced in the manner he has shepherded his troops so far this season. Although they won 2-0 against Barnsley away from home, their recent run of form hasn’t been appealing.
Despite starting the season as one of the favourites to clinch promotion, the Yorkshire based club (after the game this weekend) are placed at 8th spot in the league table with 29 points to their name from 19 games. A lot is to be done by them from here onwards.
Christiansen would be keen to bolster his ranks in the upcoming January transfer window and one of the players he could possibly target is Aston Villa’s out-of-favour defender, Tommy Elphick. He was targeted by Leeds United in the summer, but of course, the move failed to materialize.
SomersetLive are also of the same view and frankly speaking, this move would make a lot of sense. Central defence has been one of the major weaknesses for Christiansen’s side this season and they should be willing to leave no stone unturned in order to inject more resilience to the backline.
Elphick emerged through the youth ranks of Brighton & Hove Albion and after making a name for himself with the Seagulls, he made a move to Bournemouth. The defender helped the Cherries in winning promotion to the Premier League in 2014-15 campaign, wherein he played all of 46 games.
The 30-year-old has tons of experience under his belt and his knowledge and abilities should be an invaluable asset for the Peacocks. He has fallen out of favour at Aston Villa, having given no appearance in the Championship so far this season by Steve Bruce, and is seemingly likely to venture into new endeavours.
Meanwhile, Matthew Pennington and Liam Cooper haven’t been at their best this season and it would be sensible on the part of Christiansen to make Elphick sign on the dotted line once the January transfer window opens.
