Leeds United were considering pulling out of their deal to sign James Justin this week after seeing the Leicester City full-back pick up an injury last time out.
Leeds’ trip to Arsenal tomorrow will put Daniel Farke’s defensive solidity to the test against one of the sides competing for the Premier League title.
After a clean sheet against a work-in-progress Everton side, Leeds’ back four (or five) will be under the spotlight, as Farke works towards an addition.
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Leeds United considering other options amidst progressing Leicester City, James Justin transfer
A backup full-back looked to be one of the priorities for Leeds heading into the final days of the summer window, with Isaac Schmidt agreeing personal terms to leave and awaiting the club’s green light once they find a replacement.
The replacement in question appears to be Leicester City’s James Justin, who has captained the Foxes twice this season already, and a deal was claimed to be progressing prior to this week.
(Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith)
However, the Foxes’ defeat to Preston last time out saw Justin forced off after taking a hefty kick, seeing Leeds claimed to be considering other options depending on the severity of Justin’s setback.
Marti Cifuentes shares positive James Justin update as Leeds United watch on
Justin’s progress towards returning to the Leicester squad appears to be going smoothly, with manager Marti Cifuentes delivering a key update ahead of the Foxes’ early kick-off against Charlton Athletic tomorrow.
“He’s progressing and we’ll make a decision tomorrow,” Cifuetnes told the press, per the BBC.
A return to action in the next game should indicate there’s nothing to worry about with this injury, but if Leeds are progressing in talks once more, then there’s every chance Justin is told to steer clear of this game in order to avoid another setback, having played last weekend despite Leeds’ progress towards an agreement and ultimately delaying any talks.
James Justin could be ideal full-back cover at Leeds United
Leicester fans seem happy with the idea of clearing Justin from the books this month, and in fairness, he didn’t cover himself in glory last season while they were in the Premier League.
Still, it’s obvious he needs to get away from that club and a fresh start at Leeds could be what he needs to recapture the form he’s shown previously.
Add to that the fact he’d only be backup to Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson and the pressure is off him to perform consistently.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!