Kalvin Phillips has been ruled out for six weeks with a shoulder injury, not only proving to be a damning blow for Leeds United but also exposing a distinct lack of cover – and here are three free agents that the Whites should consider:
Victor Sanchez – 5/10.
At 33, Sanchez is the oldest of LeedsUnited.News’ three suggestions. Jack Wilshere could be an option, but his big wages – combined with his more attacking style of play – surely rules him out. Sanchez, meanwhile, would be a decent addition.
Sanchez is an Espanyol icon, clocking up 269 matches during an eight-year period between 2012 and 2020. Though entering the latter stages of his career, he offers versatility at centre-back and as a four. He would be a good, short-term option.
Ander Iturraspe – 8/10.
Iturraspe is slightly younger at 31, and clocked up more than 300 appearances for Athletic Bilbao – playing for two years under Marcelo Bielsa. He left Bilbao last summer, joining Espanyol but is already a free agent after just 18 outings.
Leeds were linked with the two-time Spain international in the summer of 2019 before his Espanyol move – and now he would be the ideal addition to not only cover Phillips, but rival Phillips when he is back. He would be an excellent signing.
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Kwadwo Asamoah – 9/10.
But the best option is 71-time Ghana international Asamoah. Iturraspe and Sanchez have always lacked pace, and now they have entered their thirties, they are even slower. Asamoah is naturally a left winger, shining for Inter Milan and Juventus.
Now he is 31, Asamoah remains somewhat quick – being moved into central midfield on occasions last term. Not only would Asamoah cover Phillips, but he could also offer Bielsa versatility at left-back, left-wing and more advanced in midfield.
His versatility would be a stunning signing for Leeds and Bielsa.
