If and when the Championship does resume, Leeds United will be the favourites finally seal promotion to the Premier League.
The Whites are top of the table, one point ahead of West Bromwich Albion with 9 games to spare. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have had an up-and-down season, and despite some rocky moments, many believe that they will get avoid last season’s mistakes and go over the final hurdle this time.
The Whites need to strengthen in key areas in the summer if they do seal promotion. The pandemic, though, may have reduced their spending power in the summer, which means that they will have to work smartly to secure loan and free transfer deals.
Let’s take a look at 3 free agents Leeds United should target in the summer:
3 Free Agents Leeds United Should Target In The Summer
#1 Daniel Sturridge
Former Liverpool, Chelsea and Manchester City forward Daniel Sturridge, started the 2019-20 season at Turkish side Trabzonspor.
After a promising start, where he scored 7 goals in 15 games, things went south as he was banned due to a betting violation.
The 30-year-old was given a four-month ban, which will end by the time the 2020-21 season kicks off.
Sturridge’s Premier League experience and goal-scoring ability could come in handy at Leeds United, who currently have Patrick Bamford, and on-loan forward Jean-Kévin Augustin
#2 Nampalys Mendy
Leicester City midfielder Nampalys Mendy was brought in during the 2016 summer transfer window as a replacement for N’Golo Kante, who moved to Chelsea.
Photo by Michael Regan/Getty Images
Mendy, who moved from Nice, has not been able to replace Kante, and has been overlooked by Brendan Rodgers so far this season.
The former Nice man is a defensive midfielder, who has been likened to French legend Claude Makelele owing to his awareness and composure in the base of midfield, as well as his distribution.
The 5’6″ midfielder gets around the pitch well and provides cover for the backline. With Adam Forshaw struggling with injury throughout the 2019-20 season, the Whites had no backup option for Kalvin Phillips in the defensive midfield position.
Mendy could be a good signing to play in the defensive midfield and central midfield role at the club.
#3 Claudio Bravo
This may be a controversial option, considering Bravo has been an utter failure at Manchester City in the Premier League, and has barely played in England’s top division over the last three seasons.
But, Bielsa may sign the experienced goalkeeper as a short-term, one-year option, as current keeper Kiko Casilla has made a few costly errors, and has also run into some trouble with the football authorities.
Bielsa knows Bravo well having managed him when he was the Chilean national team manager. Bravo’s distribution would be useful for the Whites in their possession-oriented style of football.