Leeds United is reportedly interested in signing a player from the Premier League this summer as they look to bolster their defensive line.
The Whites began the new season early on Saturday afternoon at Elland Road with a disappointing 3–3 draw against Portsmouth, who had just been promoted. Even though Daniel Farke’s team scored the first goal from the penalty spot in the first 10 minutes, they conceded a goal twice more.
The West Yorkshire team needed an equalizer from Brenden Aaronson in the 95th minute to save a point, but Farke’s team consistently played with false confidence, particularly on defense. According to FotMob, Leeds gave up three goals with an xG of just 0.94.
The captain Liam Cooper, Charlie Cresswell, Diego Llorente, and Robin Koch were among the few central defenders who the Championship title favorites lost during the summer transfer window. However, Cooper has remained a free agent, so the team still has the opportunity to sign Cooper.
However, Bashir Humphreys, a defender for Chelsea who spent the entire previous season on loan at Swansea City in the English second division, has also been linked to a move to Leeds United in recent days. Humphreys made 24 league appearances for the Swans during a challenging campaign.
Leeds’ interest in the 21-year-old was revealed by MOT Leeds News in the print version of the Mail on Sunday. It’s unclear from the article if the Whites’ bid to sign Humphreys would be for a loan or a permanent deal with the West London team. In response, Fabrizio Romano said that Chelsea is seeking a sale “as it stands.” Furthermore, it’s thought that Burnley, another Championship team hoping to promote, has expressed interest in the center-half.
Former Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United player Carlton Palmer commented on the rumor in a recent interview with Football League World, saying he thought it would be a great addition for his former team. [source: MOT Leeds News quotes]:
It’s the smartest course of action for Chelsea and the player because he is a long way from joining the first team.
Given that he had a fantastic season at Swansea, I believe it would be a very wise addition to the team.
Leeds can add one or two players before the transfer window ends, and they would like to add younger players over more seasoned ones because they have sold a lot of players and brought in a lot of money. For Leeds, this would be a really wise addition.
Author’s Perspective
Humphreys’ main challenge will be determining how much playing time he can accrue at Leeds United. As part of the Archie Gray trade to Tottenham Hotspur, the team has already permanently re-signed Joe Rodon, and Farke will surely start the Welshman and Pascal Struijk together at the back.
Humphreys might, however, start a few games if one of them is hurt, but for his growth, it makes more sense to get transferred to a Championship team that is on the same level as Swansea, where he will be among the first names on the roster. He just can’t accomplish this at Leeds.
