Leeds plan to use youth after making no January signings – report
Leeds didn’t force through any signings in January because they believe their best under-23 players are capable of stepping into the Premier League if necessary, according to Beren Cross.
The club are in a relegation battle currently but didn’t strengthen their first-team squad throughout the winter transfer window, despite making bids for several players.
Reports suggest the club had bids rejected for Brenden Aaronson [YEP], while also making a bid for Calvin Ramsay [Print & Journal] and an approach for Takumi Minamino [Sky Sports]. But instead of pursuing alternative targets, Leeds stuck with their current squad.
According to Leeds Live’s Cross, the club was very aware that signing a player who they weren’t totally convinced of would have blocked the pathway of youngsters like Lewis Bate, Crysencio Summerville and Leo Hjelde.
Instead, the club made the decision that if their prime targets were unavailable then they would instead trust their young players with first-team opportunities.
Gamble
While that’s obviously a gamble, it’s a sign that the club has a long-term plan and isn’t panicking about their future in the Premier League.
The club are currently in 15th place in the league, seven points above the relegation zone having played 21 games so far.
Bielsa has previously revealed that he likes to work with smaller squads and young players, so this plan suits him down to the ground and he clearly trusts the players he has at his disposal.
But with the injury problems they’ve had this season, it’s a huge gamble to take at this stage. It’s a decision that’s been made now though and they’ll have to run with it.
If it works out, young players will see Elland Road as a great place to come and develop their careers but if it doesn’t they could find themselves back in the Championship come May.
In other Leeds news, Fabrizio Romano: Leeds loan exit collapses, incoming replacement ‘not happening’