Leeds United sacked manager Paul Heckingbottom last week and are pressing ahead with a move to bring in Marcelo Bielsa as his replacement in an audacious swoop. The Whites finished 13th in the league, scoring 59 goals and conceding 64.
If the club want to challenge for promotion next season, an intense upheaval will be needed in the summer. Adding reinforcements at the back is going to be a crucial task for the club after a season which saw the defence look incredibly vulnerable. Three of Leeds’ Under-23s featured regularly in Heckingbottom’s back-five towards the end of the campaign.
In today’s world of football, a key factor in order to achieve success is making important signings. Gone are the days when a bunch of youth academy players made their way up the squad and won the title.
In the present era of football, where everything and everyone has a price – and if you are willing to pay the amount – you can have whatever you want, which was proven by the record-breaking transfer of Neymar to Paris Saint Germain from Barcelona.
Whether Bielsa arrives or not, Leeds are in desperate need of reinforcements this summer, particularly in defence as Pontus Jansson needs a proven partner in central defence. However, the Swede has been linked with a move away from Elland Road himself.
Recent reports suggest that Leeds are keeping a close watch on Vitoria Setubal defender Frederico Venancio. The defender has made a total of 115 appearances for the club, scoring 6 goals in the process. He enjoyed a successful loan spell at Sheffield Wednesday last season.
It remains to be seen whether Wednesday pursue a permanent deal for Venancio but it’s now believed that Leeds are also eyeing up a move for the Portuguese defender.
The centre-back made 20 appearances in the Championship last season and averaged 1.9 tackles and 1.5 interceptions per game. He would certainly bolster Leeds’ defence and strengthen their solidity at the back. He also averaged 7.3 clearances per game.
The statistics clearly show his potential and talent, if he indeed signs for the Whites, he just might be able to take his game to the next level.
If Leeds appoint Bielsa, their need to get new centre-backs in will likely increase further as the Argentine is a big fan of playing three at the back. And Venancio’s strong season in the Championship suggests he could be ideal for Leeds this summer.
