Pundit Carlton Palmer admitted he would be shocked if Leeds United were to make a deal for Plymouth Argyle defender Bali Mumba this month.
According to Leeds United News, the Whites sent a scout to watch Mumba in action in Plymouth’s 1-0 FA Cup win against Brentford on Saturday as they consider making an offer for him in the January transfer window.
Mumba joined the Pilgrims on loan from Norwich City in July 2022, and after helping them win the League One title in the 2022-23 season, the move was made permanent the following summer for about £1 million, which matched Argyle’s transfer record at the time.
The 23-year-old, who is capable of playing on either side of the defence, has shined for Plymouth over the previous two-and-half years, and he has been a virtual ever-present for them in the Championship this season, starting all but two league games so far.
New Pilgrims head coach Miron Muslic will certainly be reluctant to lose Mumba this month as he seeks to bring his side away from the bottom of the table, but it is unclear how the club would respond if they were to receive an offer from the league leaders.
Carlton Palmer reacts as Leeds United target Plymouth Argyle’s Bali Mumba.
Palmer, speaking exclusively to Football League World, questioned why Leeds would need to sign Mumba when they already have Isaac Schmidt, a versatile full-back, on their books, and dismissed speculation that the Whites might make a move for the Plymouth defender in January.
“Leeds United are reportedly scouting Bali Mumba, Plymouth’s versatile full-back who can play on either side,” Palmer informed the BBC.
“It’s rumored that Leeds were present during the weekend to observe him play.
“Leeds already have Isaac Schmidt, a versatile full-back who can cover both flanks, so I believe this was more of a scouting expedition than a bid for him.
“They may be looking to replace Junior Firpo, but as I previously stated, they already have a flexible fullback in that position.
“I believe this is simply a case of Leeds having a hit list of players, and I do not expect Daniel Farke to do much business in the January transfer window.”
“It’s not an area where they really need to improve.
“We know where Plymouth stands; they’re at the bottom of the standings and have already traded one of their best players (Lewis Gibson to Preston).
“At the moment, Morgan Whittaker has not left, and if you want to continue in the Championship, you need to keep your best players.
“I’d be very surprised to see anything happening with Bali Mumba this transfer window.”
Bali Mumba might be the best Isaac Schmidt upgrade for Leeds United.
As Palmer points out, Leeds already has a flexible full-back in Schmidt, who they signed from St Gallen in the summer for an estimated £2.5 million, but he has struggled for game time this season.
Schmidt has only made seven league substitute appearances for the Whites this season, implying that manager Daniel Farke is not convinced by him, and with Junior Firpo’s future uncertain, it makes sense for the club to look into prospective full-back replacements.
Mumba has impressed since his move to Plymouth, and at only 23 years old, he still has lots of space for growth, so he might be a wise long-term investment for Leeds, even if he is not a regular starter at Elland Road right away.
