Leeds now ‘close to agreement’ on Daniel Farke’s 8th signing of the summer
Leeds United have been active in the transfer window ahead of their return to the Premier League.
The business conducted by Adam Underwood and 49ers Enterprises has had mixed reactions throughout the fanbase.
On paper, additions like Jaka Bijol and Anton Stach look to be fantastic pieces of business that drastically improve Daniel Farke’s squad.
While other signings, such as Dominic Calvert-Lewin, have left the Elland Road faithful anxious when considering the forward’s injury record and poor goalscoring form over recent seasons.
However, Leeds’ eighth piece of business this summer looks to be falling into the first category.
Leeds closing in on Leicester City ace James Justin
Leeds desperately need more full-backs prior to their Premier League return, with their current back-up options in Sam Byram and Isaac Schmidt simply not being good enough for the top-flight.
- Schmidt failed to impress when given minutes in pre-season
- Farke evidently does not rate the defender, giving him just 94 minutes in total last season
- Byram is past his best and injury-prone, making him a risky option to rely upon
Farke’s side have been pursuing Leicester City’s Justin, with the defender being a versatile option who can challenge for a place in the starting XI.
According to reports from the Mail on Sunday (page 88, 17 August), the Whites are close to an agreement for the 27-year-old.
Although Jayden Bogle and Gabriel Gudmundsson will go into the game against Everton as the first-choice right back and left back, respectively, United supporters can be assured that they finally have some quality depth in that position if they can bring Justin to West Yorkshire.
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Farke to make a late decision on Bogle ahead of Everton clash
With Leeds taking on Everton at Elland Road on Monday, 18 August, this could be the first time we see their lack of full-back depth come back to bite them.
Bogle was outstanding for the Whites last season, but picked up a knock in pre-season and is a doubt for their opening game.
Speaking at his pre-game press conference, Farke said that the defender was reintegrated into team training on Wednesday, but he will need to see “how his body reacts” before deciding if the right-back can “grab a proper amount of minutes for Monday”.
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