TalkSPORT’s Ian ‘Moose’ Abrahams believes that Leeds United will have to invest heavily if they achieve promotion to the Premier League – suggesting that their squad needs a lot of work.
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Leeds currently top the Championship and are nine points clear of the play-off places, but their promising campaign thus far has not been enough to persuade Abrahams that they could enjoy the success that the likes of Wolves and Sheffield United have since their own promotions.
Abrahams suggested on TalkSPORT that Marcelo Bielsa would need to source a goalscorer and a replacement for on-loan centre-back Ben White, who he expects to be retained by Brighton following the conclusion of his Elland Road spell.
While Abrahams admitted Leeds are worthy of becoming a Premier League outfit, he feels that an investment of at least £40m is needed to succeed in the top flight.
He said: “I don’t think they are a Wolves or a Sheffield United. I think they’re going to have to invest quite heavily.
“There is no way that Brighton are going to let Ben White go. I’d be absolutely staggered if they sold him.
“They do need a goalscorer. Look at Sheffield United – they invested £40-45m, and I think Leeds probably are going to have to spend that sort of money, if not more – their squad is not big.
“But they’ve got to get promoted first. They’re clearly good enough to go up and clearly good enough to be in the Premier League.”
While Leeds’ current standing in the Championship table suggests they are well on their way towards promotion, Abrahams has picked some holes within the squad that may well need fixing regardless of what fate awaits them next season.
White is currently part of WhoScored’s Championship Best XI, such has been the quality of his performances this year, and assuming that a future at Brighton beckons, Leeds would immediately be tasked with filling that void.
For a defence that has conceded 21 times in 26 league games, finding a suitable replacement could be vital.
Elsewhere, a viable alternative for 10-goal Patrick Bamford may be required in the current window – which suggests the strikeforce could easily be an area of improvement for Bielsa in the summer should they reach the top flight.
So it seems that investment is on the cards regardless of what Leeds go on to achieve, which may suggest Abrahams’ hunch is right that changes are required if they are to survive in the Premier League.
Leeds fans, where should the side strengthen first? Let us know your thoughts below!
