Leeds United one step closer to re-signing Charlie Taylor as transfer confirmed after Phil Hay update
With Southampton announcing the signing of Leeds United-linked free agent Ryan Manning, the Whites may now be in a prime position to secure the services of former player Charlie Taylor.
Daniel Farke’s side have been linked with a move for Manning who recently played for Swansea [The Sun], but the Saints’ securing this signature means Leeds will have to look elsewhere for their left-back, and perhaps Taylor is the answer.
Phil Hay reported that Taylor was on Leeds’ list of left-back options, with the club pondering a bid for the 29-year-old academy graduate [The Athletic], but his return may prove controversial.
Back when Taylor was just 23 and when Leeds had not yet achieved promotion back to the top flight, he reportedly refused to play for the club in a league match against Wigan Athletic.
Leeds’ then-coach Garry Monk told Sky Sports when the incident happened in 2017: “There’s no sugar-coating this – Charlie refused to play the game.
“I think he’s been terribly advised…I think he’s been poorly advised all season.”
Taylor faced disciplinary action for the incident and was sold to Burnley at the end of the season.
So Taylor would not come back to Elland Road without baggage and many Leeds fans would not be happy to see him return to the club.
But, in his time at Burnley, he has proven himself to be a quality operator in central defence and had a good season under Vincent Kompany as they earned the top spot in the Championship. Leeds themselves could also use a player with recent success in the second division, so perhaps it is time to forgive and forget.
Taylor is a successful ball player, attempting 76.28 passes per 90 (97th percentile), with a pass completion rate of 85% [FBRef] which shows his calmness on the ball and ability to play from the back. These abilities may appeal to Farke as he looks to cure up his defence following the reported departure of Leo Hjelde [Tutto Salernitana] and the confirmed departure of Robin Koch [Leeds United].
But Taylor may face a frosty reception from the Elland Road faithful should he make the return to Yorkshire. But as an older and more experienced player, he may be able to win fans back over following the controversial end to his Leeds career.