Despite adding Joe Rothwell, Leeds United are currently weaker in midfield than they were at the start of the transfer window.
Though the absence of goals in midfield was a huge issue last season, it is difficult to disagree that it is one of their best areas in terms of depth.
However, Leeds’ two box-to-box options, Archie Gray and Glen Kamara, have both left in the last three weeks.
Unfortunately, Gray’s sale was required for Leeds to remain PSR compliant, but Kamara was a player the club frequently stated they did not want to sell.
Leeds then received an offer that they felt was too good to pass up, which has only increased the number of posts they need to fill.
Smyth offers the latest on replacing Kamara at Leeds.
Oliver Skipp of Tottenham Hotspur is the only true tangible link thus far, but the quest appears to be ended before it really begins.
Skipp has no intention of sliding into the Championship, and in all honesty, Leeds are well-stocked for his type of player, with Ethan Ampadu and Ilia Gruev both better at sitting in front of the defense four.
Rothwell’s arrival from Bournemouth gives Leeds more of a goal threat in midfield than they had last season, but his status as the only number eight option is insufficient.
On the latest episode of the Inside Elland Road Podcast, journalist Graham Smyth provided an update on Leeds’ midfield ambitions, stating that they are looking for an attack-minded profile rather than a Skipp-type.
He stated, “Between us, we’ve had a sneaky notion that based on the murmurs we’ve heard, they’re seeking for a more aggressive profile. They like an eight out of ten rather than a six out of eight.
“Kamara was mobile from box to box, getting up and down and winning the ball in both his and the opposing half. He kept the ball well, recycled it, and helped link plays, but when it came to the final third, his influence faded.”
Who would Leeds look at to replace Kamara?
As previously stated, there hasn’t been much in the way of tangible ties, but it will undoubtedly have to be a big addition to please fans after selling Kamara and Gray.
One man they could look at is Nottingham Forest’s Lewis O’Brien, who has previously been linked with Leeds. However, he would not be an upgrade.
Norwich City’s Gabriel Sara could be a very ambitious choice, but he is likely to cost far more than Leeds can afford as a Championship team.
Like Gruev, Leeds may be better off looking abroad, where player prices are much lower than in England.
