Adam Underwood may have thought he had finished his work when it came to sorting out Leeds United’s defence, but the need for a new full-back is growing again under Daniel Farke.
Leeds had replaced the loss of Junior Firpo with Gabriel Gudmundsson, while Sebastiaan Bornauw and Jaka Bijol have come in alongside Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon to hand Daniel Farke four centre-backs.
But at full-back, the need is growing. Despite the signing of Gudmundsson and a one-year deal handed to Sam Byram, Leeds were down to their bare bones on Saturday and that is with Schmidt included.
The Switzerland ace is set for a loan to Werder Bremen, where he will team up with Max Wober. But, the defender seems to be staying put until Leeds sign a replacement. One option is Leicester’s James Justin.
Isaac Schmidt during FA Cup clash between Leeds United and Millwall.
Photo by George Wood/Getty Images
Don Goodman thinks James Justin should join Leeds United
LeedsUnited.News understands that Leeds are interested in landing Leicester defender Justin this summer. Like the rest of Leeds’ signings, Justin is 26 or 27 and stands at over 6ft. His deal ends in 2026.
That was the same case with Gudmundsson, Bijol, Bornauw and Sean Longstaff. But more importantly, Justin is able to play on both sides of the defence and has 99 appearances in the Premier League.
Speaking to Football League World, Goodman says that Justin “belongs in the Premier League” after being quizzed on whether a move to Leeds could materialise for the £8m Leicester signing.
Leicester City defender James Justin
Photo by James Holyoak/MB Media/Getty Images
“I can absolutely see why Leeds United would want to sign James Justin. I think there are signs that this 27-year-old, who’s in the prime of his physical and mental powers, belongs in the Premier League.
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“[Leeds] already have a very good one [right-back], Jayden Bogle. Justin can play left-back. Leicester would be disappointed to lose him, but this is a player who needs to be playing in the Premier League.”
How much will Leicester charge for James Justin this summer?
It is no secret that Leicester have struggled with Profit & Sustainability Rules over the past couple of seasons. They will be accepting bids, with Bilal El Khanoussi the subject of Leeds interest, as well.
Justin has become an established name in the Premier League with Leicester, even winning an England cap. But he is in the final year of his contract and has recently overcome a cruciate ligament injury.
Chances are, if Leicester can salvage the same fee they paid for Justin, then there is a real chance a deal is done. Justin will surely want a return to the Premier League, and Leeds could present that opportunity.