Brighton’s hopes of keeping Ben White at the club next season seem to have been given a boost following an update from a renowned journalist.
Phil Hay, who reports on Leeds United for The Athletic, addressed the question about whether the Whites, to whom the 22-year-old defender has been on loan this season, would be able to retain his services – something that he feels will be “difficult” (as per @PhilHay_ on Twitter).
White is difficult. Leeds intend time take up their option on Harrison
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) July 13, 2020
White has had an excellent season on loan at Leeds, playing every single minute of their 43 Championship matches to date and helping them to keep clean sheets in their recent wins over Stoke and Swansea (as per TransferMarkt).
The centre-back has posted match averages of 2.8 successful aerial duels, 1.6 successful tackles, 2.4 interceptions and 56.4 passes, with a passing success rate of 84.8% (via WhoScored). He delivered a strong defensive performance for the Whites in their win at Swansea on Sunday, winning four headers and making four interceptions.
According to Football Insider, several of the Premier League’s leading clubs, such as Liverpool, Leicester and both Manchester sides, have shown an interest in signing the 22-year-old. However, they would need to dig deep in order to do so, as Brighton have placed a hefty price tag of £35m on the defender.
Last week, Sussex Live journalist Tom Coleman hinted that the Seagulls have a strong chance of keeping White for next season as they are “under absolutely no pressure to sell this summer”.
White may have had a stellar season for Leeds but he could still face a fight to get into Brighton’s first XI if he stays put at the Amex Stadium next term, with Graham Potter often preferring a centre-back pairing of Lewis Dunk and Adam Webster which has seen previous first team stalwart Shane Duffy’s game-time limited this season.
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However, with Hay casting doubt on Leeds’ chances of having him back at Elland Road, that could rule out one possible destination for the 22-year-old and boost the Seagulls’ hopes of keeping hold of him, which would be a significant fillip given how well he has played in recent months.
Brighton fans, do you see White making a similar impact at the Amex to what he has done at Leeds? Have your say by commenting below!
