Leeds United stance on Harry Wilson in January after Marco Silva admission

Add as preferred source on Google

Leeds United’s view of Harry Wilson is an interesting one ahead of the January transfer window, especially after Marco Silva’s admission.

Harry Wilson is a Fulham player in the final year of his contract at Craven Cottage, with Leeds United failing to make a deal happen on transfer deadline day.

Leeds United News first revealed the deadline day interest in Wilson from Leeds. However, the initial loan bid to Fulham for Wilson was rejected and that is where the saga began.

Leeds then discussed a permanent move for Wilson, which went all the way up until the deadline. It was cut so fine that a deal sheet from Fulham and Wilson was then required, but the deal never went through.

• READ MORE: The Daniel Farke XI that has now been named 4x as often as iconic 1970s Leeds United team under Don Revie

Leeds’ Harry Wilson chances weighed up ahead of January

It was made more frustrating by the fact Fulham signed two wingers late on to compete with Wilson out wide, with the Welshman now facing a serious fight to retain his place with a starting berth.

The details of Leeds’ failed Wilson pursuit then emerged, with Fulham and Leeds sources in disagreement over why the deal never materialised.

It was then said Fulham could be open to Wilson leaving in January. That said, Marco Silva has made his feelings towards retaining Wilson clear.

Now, Sky Sports’ Zinny Boswell has explained the latest. He wrote: “Leeds United are understood to be monitoring the market for wingers ahead of the January transfer window.

“Nothing has changed regarding the club’s admiration for the Fulham player – but Leeds are realistic about their chances of reigniting a deal after Marco Silva said he was confident of agreeing a new contract with the Wales international.”

Boswell then explained Wilson’s eagerness to move to Leeds by signing the deal sheet, but that Fulham showed reluctance to sell to Leeds over the summer in their pursuit of striker Rodrigo Muniz.

He explains that it was due to not wanting to strengthen a rival in the Premier League. That only adds another potential layer of complication. But Boswell believes league position could shift that thinking from the Cottagers.

Irrespective of the latest information, others, such as our transfer correspondent Graeme Bailey, are not confident Leeds will now strike a deal for Wilson.

It’s unclear what he would cost with his contract situation the way it is, too. Wilson signed for Fulham in July 2021, costing £12 million from Liverpool (Sky Sports). It’s certain Leeds’ PSR situation will dictate winger signings in January.

• READ MORE: Ally McCoist’s verdict on Harry Wilson will frustrate Leeds United fans after deadline-day failure

Leeds need a left-footed set-piece taker

Not only do Leeds need to improve from set-pieces overall, but they also need the balance of a left-footed taker of genuine quality.

On the right-footed side of things, Anton Stach and Sean Longstaff have held things down. But Jack Harrison, Ilia Gruev, and Gabriel Gudmundsson is all Leeds have to show for the opposite side.

Leeds need variety on their free-kicks and corners, with inswingers and outswingers. Wilson would automatically be the outright best set-piece taker at the club, let alone left-footed one.

The 28-year-old’s ball-striking and creativity could unlock the best of this Leeds team in terms of its height, size, and physicality.