Joe Wainman has been reacting to the news that Leeds United turned down a late move for midfielder Donny van de Beek.
The Lowdown: Van de Beek snub
Leeds failed to add to Marcelo Bielsa’s senior squad last month despite making two bids for RB Salzburg midfielder Brenden Aaronson, who was the club’s main target.
[freshpress-poll id=”387141″]
Young forward Mateo Joseph Fernandez was the only arrival at Thorp Arch, however, the Whites were offered the chance to sign Van de Beek, who eventually signed for Everton on deadline day until the end of the season.
According to Graham Smyth, Leeds were offered the opportunity to bring in Van de Beek and also Harry Winks from Manchester United and Tottenham respectively, but declined the chance to do so.
The Latest: Wainman’s post
Wainman, a Leeds content creator on his JustJoe Football Show, took to Twitter on Tuesday morning after learning of the club’s Van de Beek snub.
He labelled it as ‘madness’ but backed Bielsa to guide the Whites to safety.
“Everyone will slam Orta and co, but for me, they would have liked deals done, and it’s MB who is the one saying no. Take the DVB deal he has declined. I think that is madness, but Bielsa is the man, so as always, he gets my backing, and as I’ve always said, we will be fine.”
The Verdict: A risk
Believe it or not, Leeds still haven’t signed a single central midfielder on a permanent deal since Bielsa arrived at the club, and it seemed as if last month was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Victor Orta was thought to be working on two midfield additions after Kalvin Phillips’ injury towards the end of 2021, however, Leeds are still left with just four out and out midfielders, two of which are injured in Phillips and Jamie Shackleton.
That appears to be a massive risk from the board, especially with Leeds just seven points off relegation with 17 games remaining.
In other news: Phil Hay and Graham Smyth buzzing at free transfer news.
About the Author
