The Yorkshire Evening Post have claimed that Leeds United have made enquiries to sign Derby County talent Louie Sibley, who continues to grab the headlines for his eye-catching performances alongside Wayne Rooney.
While many of us may remember him for his sarcastic clapping when Derby gave Leeds a guard of honour, he remains a very highly-rated talent. Here are three reasons why Leeds really do need to consider the youngster before Friday’s deadline:
Klich long-term replacement, or partner
Initially, Leeds need a player that can partner Mateusz Klich in midfield with Pablo Hernandez now 35 and seemingly becoming more present on the physio’s table. Rodrigo is a striker, and Tyler Roberts is still getting to grips with the top tier.
Firstly, Sibley would come in alongside Klich. But after a while – given that Klich is now the wrong side of 30 – 19-year-old Sibley may be targeted as the 25-time Poland international’s long-term replacement.
Goals, assists and versatility
On paper, he is the ideal Marcelo Bielsa midfielder. If he is to play in the Klich role – or alongside the ex-Wolfsburg man – he needs to be able to score and create from deep. That is something he has already done in his 22 senior Derby outings.
He has five senior goals and three assists – including a hat-trick against Millwall last term. Not only can he score and create, but he can play on either flank, in defensive midfield, as a box-to-box or as a 10. That versatility makes him ideal for Bielsa.
Same agent as Leeds duo
The Whites have already dealt with the company that look after Sibley this summer, when they brought Crysencio Summerville to Elland Road. The company, Wasserman, also look after Leeds midfielder Adam Forshaw (TransferMarkt).
Having been in contact with that company already this summer, Leeds should be able to strike a chord in negotiations if they were to make a move – instead of having to use completely new representatives.
