Kieran Tierney to Elland Road – Three players to solve Leeds United left-back issue
The left-back issue at Leeds United has been a talking point amongst the Elland Road faithful for a long time and it’s an area Victor Orta will be targeting in the summer.
Despite Leeds’ league status being up in the air, the sporting director will have his eye on a number of players ahead of the season reaching its conclusion. We know the Spaniard likes to get his business done early and it would not be a surprise to see one or two players lined up before the campaign comes to a close.
Junior Firpo has improved under Gracia, but, on the whole, he’s been a disappointing addition. If he can maintain his form over a longer period of time, then there’s a chance the signing of the former Barcelona man could be vindicated.
Nevertheless, another left-back is a requirement for the board with Pascal Struijk and Max Wober as the club’s other options. Here MOT Leeds News takes a look at three players Orta could have his eye on heading into the off-season.
Kieran Tierney
Kieran Tierney is a name that has emerged in recent weeks. It’s believed the Whites are one of a number of Premier League clubs who are interested in the Arsenal left-back (90min, 8 March). The Scotland international has been a bit-part player since the arrival of Oleksandr Zinchenko and could be looking to move elsewhere in the hope of more game time.
If Leeds can maintain their Premier League status then this is a move they should be looking to get over the line. Whether it’s realistic is certainly up for debate.
Tierney’s wages could well be an issue. It’s understood he is earning in the region of £110,000-a-week (The Athletic, 18 June 2021) after agreeing on a new five-year deal with The Gunners in 2021.
Milos Kerkez
AZ Alkmaar Milos Kerkez was a January target for the Whites and the 19-year-old could well be an option for Orta to explore in the summer. The youngster would be another impressive addition to Leeds’ growing pool of younger talent.
TalkSPORT reported via their Twitter account (5 January) the Hungary international was being monitored by Leicester and Bournemouth, as well as Leeds. It’s believed he’s valued at around £15million. With Firpo’s form improving, a younger player coming in could be an interesting move by the board. Longer-term competition in the left-back berth is required.
Raphaël Guerreiro
Leeds may have missed the boat on this one, but the interest is there. German publication Rurh Nachrichten claim (19 March) the 29-year-old is close to signing a new with Borussia Dortmund.
The Portuguese international was viewed as the “ideal fit” for the Whites (TEAMtalk, 26 November) ahead of the January window.
If he doesn’t sign a new deal, then there’s a chance Orta could swoop at the end of the season, he’s definitely a fan.
In other Leeds United news, Ben Foster was blown away by one Whites player in the recent league victory at Wovles.
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