Left-back is once again, a problem issue for Leeds United this summer as the club plan to launch an instant assault on the Championship to regain a place in the Premier League – and here are three left-backs we can sign on a free.
Junior Firpo is more than likely to depart this summer, while Pascal Struijk is not a natural left-back. Stuart Dallas is hoping to return soon but it is unclear how much time he will need to get back up to speed. Here are three options.
Three left-backs Leeds can sign on a free:
Gerardo Arteaga (Genk)
Mexico star Arteaga, 24, is an impressive talent. He has just enjoyed his best season at Genk since joining in 2020. Clocking up 40 of his 110 games for the club, five goals and assists, Arteaga came within an inch of the league title.
But now he is available on a free. Spanish newspaper Marca claimed last summer that Leeds – and Marcelo Bielsa – were one of six clubs showing interest in him. He is the ideal kind of signing to finally solve the left-back issue.
Ryan Manning (Swansea)
Most of the transfer news surrounding Leeds has been about players leaving. But, of the few players linked with a move to Elland Road – Viktor Johansson, Pierre Kunde – Manning is another. FLW say Leeds want him on a free.
We also spoke to those at Planet Swans regarding Manning. An Ireland international, he had a hand in 15 goals from the left side of the defence. Proven in the Championship, he would be an excellent addition in a position we need.
Toni Lato (Valencia)
Lato, 25, surpassed 100 outings for his boyhood club this season. But at the age of 25, he is clearly aware that he needs to join a team where he is a regular. He managed just 27 outings for a side that finished in 16th in La Liga.
Indeed, he started just 12 – and was subbed in all 12 of those games. Lato is a tidy players, more than willing to get forward and score goals. Most of his qualities are in attack, but he is quick enough to get back into position.
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