Leeds United brought in Dan James on deadline day, but the club arguably needed a central midfielder more than the Wales international.
Ultimately, Leeds failed to sign a midfielder. Orta has since spoken out over the decision not to sign £8million-rated Lewis O’Brien, to the YEP.
So, with Leeds failing to add O’Brien as cover in the middle of the park – which three players could now benefit?
Jack Jenkins
The 19-year-old midfielder made his debut for the club in the appalling 3-0 defeat to Crawley. Since then, his form for the Under-23’s had dipped.
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But this season, the midfielder has returned to the 23’s fold a different player. He looks fitter, he looks stronger, and he looks more confident.
Able to do the Phillips role, Jenkins can also play further forward. It would not be a surprise to see him get a chance in the coming weeks and months.
Robin Koch
With Liam Cooper starting under Marcelo Bielsa, Pascal Struijk excellent and Diego Llorente coming back from injury – Koch is fourth choice.
That is, at centre-back. In midfield, he is probably the first man to come in for Phillips at the moment – playing against Manchester United.
With his chances of game time at centre-back struggling, a lack of midfielder signing boosts Koch’s chances of playing further forward.
Adam Forshaw
For Forshaw, it is all about getting back to full fitness. The 30-year-old is incredibly fit, and Andrea Radrizzani has backed the ex-Boro midfielder.
Asked about signing a midfielder, Radrizzani named Forshaw. He looked good against Crewe, has been good for the 23’s and was good in pre season.
Like Jenkins, Forshaw can play as a four – or further forward. He has the ability and the fitness to return – but is it the end of his injury demons?
Other than the three Leeds players mentioned, Jamie Shackleton and Mateusz Klich might also benefit from the club not signing O’Brien.
