Leeds United have had a positive start to their summer as they secured the services of manager Marcelo Bielsa for another season.
The Argentine manager had a huge influence on the Leeds team in his first year in charge, and the fans will be hopeful the club can do even better and make it to the Premier League next season.
The Championship club used the loan market well last season, signing a few young players from Premier League sides, and are now interested in another player from a top-flight club, as they are eyeing a move for Manchester City winger Brandon Barker, as per Football Insider.
Leeds had signed another City winger in the 2018-19 season, Jack Harrison, who played a key part in the side’s run to the summit of the Championship table, and the playoffs.
Brandon Barker – Factfile
Barker has made just one appearance for the Manchester City senior side, but has been on loan with various clubs, and was most recently on loan at Championship side Preston North End.
In the 2018-19 campaign, the left winger made 20 appearances in all competitions for Preston, but started just 9 games for the club. He scored twice and mustered two assists in all competitions for Preston.
Barker’s current contract with Manchester City expires in the summer of 2020.
What will Barker add to Leeds United?
Barker is a winger who is keen on driving at defences with speed, and is a good dribbler of the ball.
The winger usually plays on the left side and has the pace to beat defenders, and then cross with his weaker left foot.
The Englishman could add pace in the final third and put in menacing crosses into the box, and he also has an eye for goal.
Harrison often played on the left side of midfield for most of the 2018-19 season under Bielsa, while Stuart Dallas and Pablo Hernandez filled in for the young Englishman when he was not available.
Barker’s season at Preston North End wasn’t consistent, and he wasn’t aided by the numerous injuries that he suffered.
Consistency is one area where he will have to improve on, but considering he has a spell of Championship football under his belt, he is likely to adapt faster at Leeds.