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Leeds: Victor Orta ‘sounding out’ new left-back targets
Transfer insider Dean Jones has suggested that Leeds United remain in the market for defenders this summer, and left-backs in particular.
The lowdown: Bare bones
As things stand, the Whites will head into the 2022/23 campaign with only Leif Davis (14 senior Leeds appearances) at Jesse Marsch’s disposal as a recognised senior left-back option, and 18-year-old Leo Fuhr Hjelde as a potential backup.
Injuries to Stuart Dallas and Junior Firpo have ruled them out of the opening weeks of the upcoming season, whilst Ipswich Town have been heavily linked with a move for Davis in recent weeks.
As a result, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay, Leeds could well be looking for reinforcements in the left-back area, a claim on which another well-informed onlooker has now doubled down…
The latest: ‘A few options’
Speaking to GiveMeSport, Jones has claimed that Victor Orta is searching for a fresh face to bring in at left-back for Marsch’s squad, but remains somewhat restricted due to the club’s budget.
The Eurosport journalist said: “They’re definitely wary of spending too much in that position, so they’ve been sounding out a few options.”
The verdict: Signings are needed
Equally comfortable in almost any position, Marsch will be counting the loss of Dallas in particular at left-back – and indeed across the entire squad – most of all as the new season approaches.
Last season the duties in that role were shared between Firpo and Dallas, with the former making 28 appearances at left-back compared to the Northern Irishman’s 15.
Linked with Anderlecht starlet Sergio Gomez earlier this summer, there certainly appears to be an appetite by Orta to re-stock the left-back position at Elland Road and potentially allow 22-year-old academy graduate Davis to leave as a result.
As for the potential lack of money in the coffers with which to invest, currently boasting a net profit of £900,000 this summer owing to the big-money departures of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, Andrea Radrizanni should have no issues in sanctioning further funds should the perfect transfer target become available.
