Leeds should avoid signing Jeremain Lens anytime soon
According to a report by Leeds Live, Leeds United are interested in signing Besiktas’ forward Jeremain Lens. The former Sunderland flop has impressed for the Super Lig giants this season.
Playing alongside Ryan Babel, Ricardo Quaresma and Cyle Larin, Lens has seen a resurgence in form. The former Netherlands international has, however, struggled to consistently break into Senol Gunes’ starting line-up.
Lens has featured in five Europa League games, scoring three goals and providing an assist. In the Turkish Super Lig, the 31-year-old has made 9 appearances, scoring once and assisting twice. But he has only started five league games. His current deal runs until the summer of 2022, making anything other than temporary move difficult.
To that end, a loan move to the English second division would be ideal for him to get minutes. Having struggled at Sunderland, a move to Leeds United would be Lens’ chance of redeeming himself. But the attack is one of the White’s strongest positions at the moment.
Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford have been devastating and Pablo Hernandez has also been regularly involved, scoring 7 goals and assisting a further 5 goals. Thus, it remains to be seen whether or not the 31-year-old would be willing to play a support role in the Championship.
At 31, Lens is arguably past his peak and headed into the sunset years of his career. He does not lack experience though, having played in the Eredivisie, the Premier League, the Super Lig and the Ukraine Premier League. He would provide quality cover in case of further injuries. Given Leeds’ recent struggles with injuries, there is a distinct possibility that injuries could still bite into this squad.
Regularly deployed from the right wing, the versatile Dutchman can play anywhere across the forward line. Lens can score and provide assists aplenty, having registered 71 goals and 82 assists from 321 competitive club games. The 31-year-old would provide cover for Roofe and Bamford if either was to miss long periods due to injury or suspension.
Lens can also take set-pieces and long shots admirably. He is also a threat during indirect set-pieces and counter-attacking situations.
However, signing Lens would stall the development of Jack Clarke. The youngster has been impressive in his Championship cameos so far this season. In addition, there are other available players in the market who would provide a more long-term solution than Lens. Thus, Leeds should find alternative signings in this case.
