Leeds United have reportedly added Manchester City midfielder Yangel Herrera to their summer shortlist as the South American ace continues to shine in Spain with Europa League side Granada – though he is coming to the end of a two-year loan spell. Interest is hotting up in the midfielder and it is of little surprise, given Patrick Vieira’s verdict on him in 2017.
Herrera, 23, has been excellent for Granada – playing as a holding midfielder normally, though he has appeared in the 10 role. Largely playing at the base of the midfield this season, the Venezuela international has scored eight goals in 40 appearances – and has clocked up 76 in his time with the La Liga side. But he is returning to Manchester City this summer.
Goal claimed earlier this month that both West Ham and Southampton were interested in Herrera – as are a number of La Liga clubs. It is unclear how much the former New York City midfielder would cost to take him from Manchester City – but Talking Shutt have now reported on Instagram that Leeds have emerged as a contender for his signature, too.
Given the connections between Manchester City and New York City, Herrera was loaned to the MLS side for the 2017-18 season when Vieira was in charge – a team that has also boasted Jack Harrison, Frank Lampard, David Villa and Andrea Pirlo over the years. Almost four years ago, Vieira raved about a player that was still in his teens – as per Goal.
Vieira said, of Harrison’s former teammate at New York City: “He’s a tactically intelligent midfielder who is strong in the tackle and reads the game well. Yangel also has good passing range and spatial awareness, which is crucial for a player in his position.” Not bad praise, then, from one of world football’s best ever central midfielders.
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Going off Vieira’s comments, Leeds would do well to add Herrera to their ranks. The club need cover for Mateusz Klich in the number eight role, where Stuart Dallas has been playing of late – while there is a lack of adequate cover for Kalvin Phillips. Pascal Struijk has proven he is better in defence – meaning Herrera becomes a near-perfect addition this summer.
