Leeds United have already lined up their Junior Firpo replacement in the form of Sweden international Gabriel Gudmundsson, but he’s still the only left-footed full-back on the books.
Right-back appears a position where Leeds look relatively well covered right now with Jayden Bogle and Isaac Schmidt the two key options, but left-back isn’t as secure.
Junior Firpo’s exit has been rectified with a new starter brought in, in the form of Gabriel Gudmundsson to the tune of £10million, but there’s a lack of depth still present there.
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Leeds United still lacking natural left-back depth despite Gabriel Gudmundsson deal
Firpo left Leeds are arguably the perfect time, departing a champion following promotion and not having his reputation tarnished again by what is going to be a gruelling campaign with a lot of defending to do.
So landing Gudmundsson makes a lot of sense bringing in a left-back that covers a lot of ground down the left, carries the ball very well, and is solid 1v1.
(REUTERS/Bernadett Szabo)
However, Leeds’ depth at left-back remains an issue with Gudmundsson the only full-back on the books that is left-footed and naturally operates in that position.
Last season, Sam Byram was the most used backup to Firpo, but being a right-footer that has spent most of his career at right-back, it became noticeable that he wasn’t best suited to how Leeds use their full-backs high and wide to build attacks, with Byram often cutting in onto his right foot rather than holding width.
That becomes more of an issue because Leeds’ left-wing options last season and so fae this summer are all right-footed and would also prefer to come inside, meaning the left-back has to be the one to provide real width and penetration.
Leeds United could target experienced £5m solution to add cover to Gudmundsson at left-back
So, Leeds ought to bring in another left-back in order to provide more natural cover and competition to Gudmundsson each week, alongside Byram who’s agreed a contract extension.
A target previously linked with the club earlier in the window was Aston Villa’s 32-year-old Alex Moreno, having spent last season on loan at Nottingham Forest.
(REUTERS/Chris Radburn)
Valued at £5million, the Spaniard would not only be a reliable backup to Leeds’ Swedish international, but has proven through his time at Villa and Forest that he’s very useful when called upon.
Another player that is into the final 12 months of his current contract, Leeds could find another shrewd deal to add much-needed depth by pursuing Moreno.
After a loan spell at Forest where he was largely second fiddle to Neco Williams and only made 11 starts, he could get more opportunities at Elland Road.
Gudmundsson’s ability to play as a centre-back in part of a back three gives Leeds flexibility to compact the penalty area with more bodies, and would open the door for someone as deputy like Moreno to feature often.