Marcelo Bielsa took over the reins at Leeds United in the summer of 2018 (Getty Images)
When Leeds United landed promising Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker on a season-long loan deal in the summer transfer window, the signing was met with a lot of expectations. A talented young midfielder with potential, the Englishman was expected to play a key role for the Whites under Marcelo Bielsa.
But, things have hardly gone according to plan for the player and the club. It took the best part of four months for Baker to earn his first start for Leeds United in the EFL Championship. So far in his stint with the Yorkshire-based outfit, the 23-year-old has featured just 10 times in the league, totalling up to 175 minutes of action. He has failed to make much of an impact during his time out on the field.
Given how things have worked out, it wouldn’t be surprising if Leeds cut short Baker’s loan spell once the January transfer window comes rolling. And should they let him return to Chelsea, here are two replacements that they could look to bring into the team instead;
The 27-year-old Fulham midfielder has found himself warming benches more often than not this term, despite playing an instrumental role in their promotion-winning campaign last season. With the likes of Jean Michel Seri, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Kevin McDonald and Tom Cairney all ahead of him in the pecking order, his chances are unlikely to improve.
So far, Johansen has managed just four starts in the Premier League. Considering that he will be out of contract in the summer, Leeds should capitalize on the situation and attempt to land him on a cut-price deal in January. An all-action midfielder, Johansen would add more energy and drive in the middle of the park and can be an asset with his ability to score and set up goals.
The Norwegian has all the attributes needed to fit seamlessly into the Bielsa’s team. His experience of winning promotion to the Premier League would be vital for the Whites in the second half of the campaign, which is why they should consider moving for him in the winter.
The Scotland international was on Leeds’ radar in the summer and they are continuing to monitor the player ahead of the January transfer window. (h/t Mirror)
The 21-year-old burst onto the scene only last season at Manchester United and impressed at every opportunity that came his way last term. In fact, the Red Devils’ boss Jose Mourinho went on to name the youngster as the Manager’s Player of the Year in the season-end award ceremony.
First-team opportunities haven’t come regularly this time around for the United academy graduate. So far in the 2018/19 campaign, McTominay has featured just five times. Hence, the chance to play regularly under someone of Bielsa’s reputation should appeal to him.
The 21-year-old has what is needed to fit into the rough and tumble of the Championship and would add further depth to the Whites’ squad for the second half of the season.
