Why Leeds United should make a move for Axel Tuanzebe
As per The Athletic (h/t Birmingham Mail), Leeds United are considering a move for Manchester United youngster Axel Tuanzebe ahead of their return to the top-flight.
The report suggests that despite making several signings, Leeds boss Marcelo Bielsa is looking to add to his backline and the English youngster is one of their targets.
Profile
Born in DR Congo, Tuanzebe flourished through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth academy and excelled with the club’s youth sides, winning the U21 Premier League title twice. He made his senior bow in the 2016/17 campaign but struggled for regular game time and was sent on loan to Aston Villa.
The young defender played a key role in Villa’s promotion to the top flight at the end of the 2018/19 campaign. Despite his tender age, Tuanzebe has shown immense potentials but his progress was hampered due to injuries last season and the arrival of Harry Maguire to Old Trafford.
With plenty of options at the back for United, it is unlikely for Tuanzebe to make it into the starting XI, and thus, Leeds would be wise if they make a move for the centre-back.
Tuanzebe could provide depth to Leeds’ defence
After having failed to sign Ben White and Gaetano Berardi out of contract, Bielsa did a good job by bringing in Robin Koch from Freiburg to partner club captain Liam Cooper at the heart of the Whites defence.
Apart from the two, Patrik Struijk and Oliver Casey are the only two options in defence. Both of them are young and inexperienced. And thus, it is necessary for the Whites to bring in a few more reinforcements as backup in case any of the main defenders get injured or need rest in the upcoming grueling campaign.
In that regard, signing Tuanzebe would be a sensible move. The English youth international has already shown immense potential at a higher level and can be a crucial player for the Whites if he is able to be in good shape and keeps himself away from injuries.
His inclusion would add depth to Leeds’ defence, whilst he is also capable of providing healthy competition to Cooper and Koch for the starting spot. And if he is able to develop under the guidance of Bielsa, he can go on to represent them in the long run.
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Verdict
With just two established central defenders in the squad, it is necessary for Leeds to bring in a few more centre-backs. And Tuanzebe would provide them with some much-needed depth and quality. He is just 22 and still has a lot of room for development. Thus, they should attempt to lure the youngster to Elland Road at the earliest.
