£2m defender Leeds United tried to sign in January has just given ‘green light’ to join new club this summer

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Full-backs were on the agenda for Leeds United during the most recent transfer window.

Heading into January, left-back was very much seen as the priority for Daniel Farke as he admitted as early as mid-December that it was a position they would look to strengthen.

However, the form and fitness of Junior Firpo, as well as the exits of Djed Spence and Luke Ayling on the other flank saw right-back quickly become the focus.

In the end, Connor Roberts was Leeds’ only signing of the window and saw they opted to go with what they had at left-back, which is a decision which has so far paid off thanks to Firpo.

That said, over the course of the month, Leeds were linked with a couple left-backs. Josh Doig was mentioned as a potential target, while they were also hopeful of prising Borna Barisic from Rangers.

Barisic is out of contract at Rangers this summer but Leeds were reportedly looking to get a deal done early, however it never materialised and so he stayed at Ibrox.

According to Fanatik, though, with £2 million Barisic not having put pen-to-paper on an extension at Rangers, he will now leave for free in the summer and has given the ‘green light’ to join Trabzonspor.

Leeds have dodged a bullet not signing Barisic

Barisic has made a name for himself as somewhat of an assist king at Rangers and could’ve been a good pickup on a free transfer, if you are talking two or three years ago.

At 31, Barisic just is not the type of age profile Leeds have tried to sign recently and while a bit of experience here and there can be good, it is also important for him to be good enough on the pitch.

Barisic has lost his place at left-back to Ridvan Yilmaz over the last few months and has been heavily criticised by Rangers supporters for his performances.

In no way would Barisic have represented an upgrade on Firpo. Like the Croatian, the strongest part of Firpo’s game this season has been his assists from full-back, but there are always questions over him defensively.

Barisic is arguably even worse than Firpo in that regard and also really lacks pace. His physical attributes would not have suited the Championship, and if Leeds are to be promoted, it would’ve stood out even more.