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2 knock-on effects centre-back’s January arrival at Leeds United should have

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Leeds United completed the signing of young Portuguese centre-back Diogo Monteiro on deadline day, with the player initially heading into the under-21 setup.

While all eyes were fixed on Leeds strengthening their first team in the January window, the signing of youth players is never fully off the table.

The club continued in that vein with a move to sign Diogo Monteiro for a reported £1million fee from Servette in the Swiss Super League.

A deadline day arrival for Leeds helps strengthen the long-term future of the defence, as he heads into the under-21 setup for now.

Here, we look at two knock-on effects that the centre-back’s arrival will have at the club…

Charlie Cresswell being shipped out?

Leeds loaned Cresswell out to Millwall at the start of the season and the defender has had a tough stint at the New Den so far.

Having started very well with a brace on his debut, mistakes and being taken out of the firing line has been the story of his loan since.

The fact Leeds have now signed a younger right-footed centre-back with youth international experience is a damning suggestion for the future of Cresswell.

Should Monteiro impress in the youth side straight away, expect him to take Cresswell’s place, and therefore lead to the 20-year-old being sold.

Should Leeds sell Cresswell?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Long-term successor

Signing youth players comes with the view that you’re signing a player who has the potential for the first-team in the future, but at the fraction of the price.

Leeds let Diego Llorente leave on loan on deadline day after Monteiro’s arrival, and it left them light at the back for a centre-back on the right side, with Robin Koch the only natural for the position.

Monteiro might not be ready for senior football in the Premier League right away, but he will be in the future.

With this signing, Leeds are covering themselves well for the future, knowing he could come into the senior setup full-time at some point soon just like Leo Hjelde will be hoping for.

Quiz: Can you remember Leeds United’s last 15 results v Nottingham Forest ahead of Premier League clash?

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February 2023

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Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.