Finn Ole Becker of Sankt Pauli runs with the ball during the Second Bundesliga match between FC St. Pauli and SV Sandhausen at Millerntor Stadium on September 29, 2019 in Hamburg, Germany. (Photo by Oliver Hardt/Bongarts/Getty Images)
According to Leeds Live, Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa was spotted with a scouting report of St. Pauli midfielder Finn Ole Becker this week.
The 20-year-old Becker currently plays in the German second division and has had a breakthrough campaign this season with 28 appearances to his name. In total, he has played 34 times for St. Pauli, whom he joined way back in 2011.
Mostly deployed through the centre, young Becker’s versatility allows him to play as a holding midfielder, which he has done so numerous times this season.
Leeds United under Bielsa emerged as Championship winners this season which will see them feature in the top-flight next season. Despite his team’s recent success, Bielsa needs to bring in reinforcements in order to stay in the Premier League in the long run.
That said, he has identified young Becker as a suitable candidate following his eye-catching displays in Germany this season. With as many as 10 midfielders already in their ranks, it seems hugely unlikely that Becker would be a regular starter at Elland Road if a move happens in the summer.
However, Leeds just have one established defensive midfielder in Kalvin Phillips and Becker’s arrival will offer the Argentine boss an extra option next season. Apart from this, Leeds have also struggled with the injury of midfielder Adam Forshaw, who has spent most of his time this season warming the benches.
There also remains the growing age concern of their main man in the middle – Mateusz Klich. The Pole has been one of the regular faces in the Leeds line-up under Bielsa, making 45 league appearances this term.
However, he is already past his thirty now and Leeds could do with some young and new faces such as Becker in their squad. The rest of the midfielders in the side are either inexperienced or yet to impress Bielsa.
Considering all this, a move for rising talent such as Becker seems like a step in the right direction and Leeds must make sure they land him.
Despite enough depth in their midfield department, it is clear that Leeds lack established midfielders in their side. Becker is just 20 and could develop his game under the guidance of Bielsa.
