Paul Robinson disappointed by Leeds United failure to sign new centre-mid
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United…
Paul Robinson is disappointed Leeds United failed to sign a new central midfielder in the summer transfer window.
Leeds were strongly linked with a move for Huddersfield midfielder Lewis O’Brien with the Express reporting via their print edition on August 14 [page 77] that Leeds had two bids rejected for the 22-year-old.
Speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds’ director of football Victor Orta has since confirmed that he was chasing O’Brien but a difference in valuations is what led talks astray. According to Phil Hay of The Athletic, Leeds were willing to pay £4million for the central midfielder but Huddersfield wanted double that.
Robinson feels that Leeds’ failure to sign a new central midfielder could be costly as the season progresses, especially after Kalvin Phillips had such an intense summer.
However, the ex-goalkeeper does note that Leeds have other options who can play in the midfield.
Speaking to MOT Leeds News about the Whites’ failure to sign O’Brien, Robinson said: “Whether it’s O’Brien or another player, I’m just disappointed they didn’t spend in that area because that’s an area they needed [to add to].
“They pushed the boat out to sign Daniel James but I don’t think he can play in the middle.
“We know that Kalvin Phillips only had two weeks off in the summer, it’s been a long summer for him and he’s starting international games this week.
“He’s going to play a lot of football so they’re going to be relying heavily on his fitness.
“[Pascal] Struijk has been playing centre-half and not in midfield so you have to adapt and put [Robin] Koch in midfield.
“There are a lot of different permutations but I would have liked to have seen them invest in another midfielder.”
In other Leeds United news, Trevor Sinclair expects this player to quit Elland Road next year.