The Leeds United fans in the Transfer Tavern are excited by recent reports which suggest they have an ideal opportunity to sign Tottenham’s Juan Foyth this summer, but there is reason to suggest that Marcelo Bielsa should target another talented youngster from the North London giants.
Marcelo Bielsa’s special relationship with Mauricio Pochettino has been cited as reason to believe that Leeds could welcome a handful of players to the club from Tottenham Hotspur this summer. Tottenham’s manager has credited Bielsa for the heights he has reached in the game and claimed his unique philosophy heavily influenced his respective approach to management.
Pochettino has even referred to himself as belonging to a group of managers who are Bielsa’s ‘disciples’, so it’s clear to see the regard in which Leeds’ new manager is held by one of the Premier League’s most prestigious coaches. Naturally, the Leeds supporters are hoping Bielsa will use Pochettino’s admiration to his advantage in the transfer market.
One player who Bielsa would be foolish not to consider signing this summer is Tottenham’s highly-regarded 17-year-old striker Reo Griffiths. The England youth international’s future at the club has been called into question in recent months amid interest from Germany, but he has decided to remain with the club for at least another season according to Football.London.
The Tottenham fans were understandably delighted by the news that Griffiths will extend his stay in North London on the back of a season in which he notched a staggering 27 goals from just 20 appearances in the U18 Premier League. His form at youth level has even prompted plenty of discussion over his potential to step into the senior squad and solve Pochettino’s second striker conundrum, but that’s a huge responsibility to bestow on the shoulders of such a young player.
With that in mind, Leeds should offer Griffiths the opportunity to prove his worth to Pochettino at senior level this summer with a season-long loan deal. Under Bielsa’s leadership, Pochettino would be able to trust that Griffiths was not only receiving a high standard of training, but also that he would be able to discuss the teeanger’s development on a regular basis with his compatriot.
On paper, this is a deal which would be in the best interests of all parties; Griffiths will be looking to challenge himself at senior level, Tottenham want him to develop but cannot offer him regular football and Leeds need a clinical goalscorer to spearhead their promotion bid, so Bielsa should submit a loan proposal to his old friend this summer in order to acquire the services of a genuine wonderkid.
Leeds and Tottenham fans – thoughts? Let us know below!
