Leeds United are reportedly interested in signing a full-back before the end of the window and have identified one left-back as a possible signing, but his huge wages should deter The Whites.
Following the exit of Georginio Rutter to Brighton for £40m, Daniel Farke publicly demanded the signings of four new players. Since, Leeds have brought in Manor Solomon on loan and £10m Largie Ramazani.
At full-back, Leeds are lacking in options. The injury-prone Sam Byram is Farke’s only option to cover new signing Jayden Bogle and left-back Junior Firpo, with the former Barcelona in the final year of his contract.
One player linked with a move to Leeds this week is Ajax’s Owen Wijndal. The Netherlands star has fallen out of favour at Ajax, and could be on the move before the end of the current window, possibly to Leeds.
Owen Wijndal wants Leeds move, but Leeds should avoid a deal
There is no doubt there is a serious player in Wijndal. A player confident in his own ability, once claiming he himself was the best left-back in The Netherlands, now on the lookout for a new club away from Ajax.
Leeds would surely prefer a left-back to a right-back given Byram is right-footed and Wijndal on the pitch, fits the bill. An attacking player that is keen on a move to Leeds with Ajax ready to offload Wijndal.
But, there is an issue. De Telegraaf report that Ajax want to remove his £40k-a-week pay cheque from the wage bill and that is a huge contract for a player in the Championship, and it should see Leeds move on.
What Erik ten Hag has said about Wijndal in the past
If Leeds can get Wijndal to agree a pay cut, possibly with a clause included that sees his wage increase should Leeds be promoted, then great. But the chances of Wijndal asking for less than he’s on, are small.
Wijndal, albeit keen on a move to Leeds, will feel as if Leeds owe him something if he was to join Leeds given The Whites are in the second tier. If anything, he might want more than his current £40k a week.
A few Leeds players might be on figures close, even after relegation pay cuts. But Leeds cannot be splashing out £40k-a-week contracts while still in England’s second tier, no matter how good the player.
Wijndal would be a stunning signing, Championship or Premier League. A player Erik ten Hag signed at Ajax, saying he wanted to sign Wijndal for some time. But his wages should see Leeds pursue others.
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