Bielsa shares update on Leeds efforts to replace Nketiah after loan is cut short
Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed that Leeds United are trying to sign a replacement for Eddie Nketiah after the striker returned to Arsenal this week.
Arsenal terminated the 20-year-old’s loan deal at Elland Road due to the lack game-time he has had in the Championship.
Nketiah started just twice in the league since joining the Whites in the summer and that was not deemed to be enough for the Gunners, who welcome Bielsa’s side to the Emirates on Monday in the FA Cup third round.
Nketiah’s exit has left Patrick Bamford as Leeds’ sole centre-forward in the senior squad.
Tyler Roberts has played as a striker in the past but since joining the Yorkshire giants from West Brom in January 2018, the Welsh international has been played mainly as a midfielder.
Speaking ahead of the clash with Arsenal, Bielsa revealed that Leeds are trying to replace Nketiah but only if they can find someone who is suitable.
“If we find a player in this position of course we will communicate quickly. If we find them they have to be a good option,” said Bielsa on Saturday, as quoted by the Yorkshire Evening Post.
“It’s not about intentions… it’s a matter of finding the right player.”
It makes sense.
Bielsa likes to have a very specific type of player in his squad and maybe Nketiah was not quite the type of striker he needed considering his lack of game-time at Elland Road.
If Leeds do find the right striker to sign on loan then they might have a hard time replacing Nketiah because of him only starting twice in the Championship.
Leeds won’t sign players for the sake of it and Financial Fair Play is likely to restrict any kind of major deal this month.
It honestly would not be a shock if the Whites did not welcome any new faces this month.
In other Leeds United news, Bielsa has confirmed his team news for the trip to Arsenal.