Juan Foyth (Getty Images)
According to The Sun, Leeds United are interested in a swoop for Tottenham youngster Juan Foyth in a £15m deal ahead of the next season.
Foyth, 22, came through the ranks of Estudiantes in his homeland and made his debut in the 2016/17 season. However, after just 9 senior appearances for the Argentine outfit, he was signed by Tottenham in August 2017. He then became a regular member of the team under Mauricio Pochettino but an injury hampered his progress.
His return from the injury changed things and the youngster eventually fell down the pecking order under Jose Mourinho. He has been deprived of his chances since academy prospect Japhet Tanganga got promoted to the first-team. Thus, Leeds should take advantage of his situation and make a move for the Argentine ahead of the new season.
Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take Leeds back to the Premier League for their first in 16 years. The Whites have been brilliant throughout the campaign and put in an extra effort especially after coming close to promotion last season.
However, the manager should now focus on helping the team retain their top-flight status. And so, Leeds boss Bielsa should bring in reinforcements and add depth to the squad.
The Whites have had the best defensive record in the Championship this season, conceding just 35 goals. Liam Cooper led the team brilliantly from the back alongside on-loan youngster Ben White. Both of them formed a strong partnership but that is now cut off as White is back to his parent club, Brighton.
Gaetano Berardi is the only other central defender available at the manager’s disposal and the Swiss international did well whenever he was called upon. But with White gone, they seriously lack options at the back and that could affect them in the top-flight.
In that regard, making a move for Foyth seems to be sensible. The Argentine international was brilliant last season under Pochettino. He has already shown immense potential but injuries have been a concern. And if Bielsa is able to be patient with him, he could get the best out of the youngster.
The 22-year-old’s inclusion would also help Leeds secure the future of their backline, whilst also adding depth to the squad. He could take over from Berardi, who is already 31 and reaching the twilight of his career.
With limited options at the back and White’s future yet to be decided, Leeds are in dire need of a centre-back. And Foyth could be their leader in the future at the back. Thus, signing him would be helpful for both the club and the player.
