The January window is fast approaching, and with that comes an increased rumour mill. Leeds United have been linked with several players in the last few days, and that includes El Chadaille Bitshiabu.
Despite Robbie Evans’ comments at the end of the summer window about PSR, it is widely expected that Leeds will be busy in the January window as the 49ers look to give Daniel Farke every chance to stay up.
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“This summer, we spent everything we could. Unequivocally, we are maxing PSR out this season. If we had gone on to other targets [on deadline day], the consequences would have been seen in the current roster. More key players from last season would have had to go.”
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Having failed to sign Harry Wilson at the end of the summer window, the belief was that a no.10 who can play out wide would be targeted. However, a change to a back three does leave Leeds light in defence.
Only Sebastiaan Bornauw, who is injury-prone himself, is providing cover to trio Joe Rodon, Pascal Struijk, and Jaka Bijol. Leeds could do with another centre-back, and Bitshiabu has emerged as an option.
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Bought by Leipzig from PSG for £13m in 2023, Bitshiabu has gone on to play 39 times at senior level for the German club. Now in his third season with Leipzig, he’s only been called on five times to play.
Largely unproven but a player with plenty of potential, Bitshiabu could be keen to go and get some game time in January. Leeds are said to be confident of beating West Ham to the 6ft 5in Leipzig defender.
But German newspaper Bild reports that Leipzig have other ideas and want him to stay. That is because Castello Lukeba is set to go, Willi Orban is 33, and Lucas Klostermann is now past his peak at Leipzig.
Bitshiabu is being touted as their replacement, but it depends on how quickly that comes to fruition and if Bitshiabu is willing to wait around and find out. Leeds and West Ham would love to sign the defender.
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Max Eberl explained why Leeds might be interested
Now sporting director at Bayern Munich, Max Eberl is said to boast one of the best technical minds in Bundesliga football. He is tasked with keeping Bayern at the top and bringing the best to the Allianz.
But back in the summer of 2023, he was working as Leipzig’s transfer chief and oversaw the addition of Bitshiabu from PSG. He gave a glowing verdict of the defender, as per the Bundesliga’s official website.
“El Chadaille is extremely quick, strong in the air, a tough tackler and good on the ball too. The fact that he’s also left-footed means he perfectly fit the kind of player we wanted,” Eberl said after signing him.
With three of Leeds’ four centre-back options right-footed, it makes sense that if a fifth is to be added, it needs to be a left-footed one. But as things stand, Leipzig aren’t looking to sell the French defender.
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