Leeds United are set to complete their third signing of the summer in Bayern Munich midfielder Marc Roca – and LeedsUnited.News have spoken to Bayern Munich expert Mark Lovell about the Spanish star.
The Whites have already brought in Rasmus Kristensen and Brenden Aaronson – and now, 25-year-old Roca is about to join. Bayern Munich fans have been overriding in their opinion, hopeful that he gets the chance he deserves at Leeds.
Of course, Roca only managed 24 appearances for Bayern in all competitions in the two years he spent with the German champions. But, there have been comparisons to the likes of Xabi Alonso.
Numerous reports state that ahead of a £10million deal, Roca has been undergoing a Leeds medical on Friday and is set to complete his signing. Lovell, ESPN’s former Bayern Munich correspondent, spoke about his situation at Bayern.
“He only played 15 Bundesiga games in two seasons. Most of them were around the turn of the year when he played four games in a row between matchday 16 and 19. He was never going to dislodge Joshua Kimmich.
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“Bayern paid €9million (£7.75million) for him from Espanyol. So they will be happy to make a profit on a player that never made his mark. This is the way Bayern do their business,” Lovell told us, at LeedsUnited.News.
Leeds set to complete Roca signing: “Poor man’s Thiago”
Roca’s imminent arrival at Elland Road comes in the midst of rumours that Kalvin Phillips could be about to leave Elland Road. Manchester City are keen to replace Fernandinho with our academy product and fan favourite.
Lovell shared what Leeds fans can expect from Roca. Lovell suggests he is a “poor man’s” version of Liverpool superstar Thiago. Given the quality of the Spaniard, that tag is hardly a criticism.
“It’s not a question of attitude,” Lovell continued, when asked about his lack of game time. “He comes across as a decent young man. Too much competition in the Bayern midfield; Kimmich, Leon Goretzka. There’s no way past them.
“I think will be okay at Leeds. If Kalvin Phillips leaves there will be a big hole. Will he be able to fill the gap left by Phillips? There will be a lot of expectation. A poor man’s Thiago, he could be anything.”
