Leeds United are looking to freshen up their squad this summer, and have been linked with a move for Club Brugge winger Noa Lang.
According to eldesmarque, a winger is at the top of Marcelo Bielsa’s wishlist, with the Argentine setting his sights on talented Dutchman Lang. But Leeds are set to face competition Sevilla, who are also interested in signing the 22-year-old whose contract expires in 2024.
Lang came through Ajax’s famed youth system but was loaned out to Club Brugge in the 2020-21 campaign with an obligation to buy.
The 22-year old impressed during his debut season with the Belgian club, and scored 16 goals in the league to power Brugge to the Jupiler Pro League title.
Noa Lang to Leeds United – Will he fit in under Bielsa?
Leeds United finished ninth last season and are looking to bolster their squad in the summer ahead of a push for a European spot. Their only notable signing thus far has been Junior Firpo from Barcelona, while they managed to secure the services of Jack Harrison on a permanent basis from Manchester City.
They have also been linked with a move for Real Madrid’s out-of-favour winger Marco Asensio, as well as Noa Lang.
Lang could be a perfect fit for Bielsa’s high-energy, high-pressing style of football. The 22-year-old is a quick and agile winger who is especially dangerous in counter-attacking situations.
He has fantastic dribbling ability and can advance the ball up the field quickly. He likes to make runs behind the defence and exploit the gaps in the opposition’s backline. Last season, he averaged 2 key passes, 1.5 dribbles and 2 shots per game.
Moreover, he’s right-footed and would offer a whole new dimension to Leeds’ attack, which currently consists of left-footers in Raphinha, Jack Harrison, Ian Poveda, and Helder Costa.
Lang is a versatile attacker who can play on either flank as well as through the middle as a No. 10. Bielsa likes to deploy his players in different positions over the course of the season, and Lang should have no trouble fitting in.
The Dutchman also has a great engine and likes to press high up the pitch to win back possession. Considering he’s still only 22, he has plenty of upside and will only get better with experience.
But, Lang has a reputation for being a divisive figure in the dressing room and that’s a tag he will need to shed if he is to succeed under a no-nonsense manager like Bielsa.
Stats via Whoscored