Joe Williams (Image credit: Google)
As per Football Insider (h/t Bristol Live), Leeds United have joined the race to sign Wigan Athletic youngster Joe Williams ahead of the new campaign.
However, Leeds will have to face competition to secure the former England U20 international’s services as several clubs are keen on making a move for him. Bristol City, Middlesbrough and West Brom are all interested in signing the youngster, as per the report.
Born in Liverpool, Williams rose through the ranks of Everton’s youth system but failed to break into the club’s first team. He was sent on different loan spells to Barnsley and Bolton Wanderers to improve with regular time but was eventually sold to Wigan last summer.
Since then, he has been a regular member of the squad and has established himself as a key figure in the Latics’ midfield. The youngster impressed throughout the season despite the club going into administration and getting relegated. And, the midfielder could be available for £2.5m, as per The Sun (h/t Bristol Live).
Marcelo Bielsa has managed to take Leeds back to the top flight after winning the Championship title. But it is now time for the manager to look into the future of the club and bring in reinforcements with a view of the future.
At the moment, they have four attack-minded midfielders in the squad. Mateusz Klich has been a regular starter and the Polish international is one of the key figures in the squad. Jamie Shackleton has also been used on several occasions and young Mateusz Bogusz has just signed a new contract with the Whites.
Adam Forshaw is another midfielder available at Bielsa’s disposal but he has been injured for the majority of the campaign and his return remains unknown. However, they need to bring in midfielders as Klich is already 30 and will soon be entering the final juncture of his career. Forshaw also has just two more years left on his contract.
In that regard, signing Williams would help them secure the future of their midfield. The English youngster was in fine form this season, racking up 1 goal and 4 assists. And with experience, he should only get better. He has already shown immense potential and could go on to be a crucial player in the future.
Given Forshaw’s injury, signing Williams would come in handy this season with games set to come thick and fast. The former Everton man can go on to become a future leader in the Whites’ midfield if he is able to develop himself under the guidance of someone like Bielsa.
With Klich ageing and Forshaw’s recent injury problems, Leeds could do with the addition of a new midfielder. And signing Williams would provide them with some much-needed depth. He can also go on to represent them in the long run if he is able to replicate the form from last season.
