Paul Robinson has agreed that Leeds United’s right-back situation needs to be addressed, but he believes Montpellier’s Falaye Sacko is not the best choice.
According to Africa Foot [6 July], Leeds are interested in signing Mali full-back Sacko to replace Archie Gray, who has moved on to Tottenham.
It is believed that the 29-year-old, who has performed well in Ligue 1 in recent seasons, is incredibly versatile and can play anywhere along the backline.
Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “The right-back position is a must-have for Leeds.” Luke Ayling has joined Middlesbrough after leaving in the middle of last season, Archie Gray has spent the second half of the season at right-back, and Jamie Shackleton has also left.
“That is a place with few options. I don’t see a problem with signing a dedicated right-back, but Sacko can play on either side, so his versatility would be appealing. This summer, the squad needs a true right-back.”
Leeds United are looking to sign a right-back after Falaye Sacko was passed over.
Robinson makes an excellent point about Sacko’s probable signing. While the 29-year-old can play on either wing or at centre-back, Daniel Farke is more likely to choose a player who is entirely dedicated to perfecting one position.
Leeds are incredibly thin at right-back, with Ayling, Gray, and Shackleton all leaving this summer, and Junior Firpo and Sam Byram on the opposite flank.
Gray was one of the Whites’ most significant players last season, despite playing out of position for the majority of the time, demonstrating how much of Leeds’ play ran through the right side.
Sacko is not as attacking as many Leeds fans would anticipate from a full-back signing, having only scored once for Montpellier in two seasons.
While the right-back position must be filled this summer, the Whites may have to wait a little longer for a stronger candidate.
