Team predictions

3 big signings: How Leeds United’s starting XI could look later in 2021

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Marcelo Bielsa’s focus will be on keeping Leeds United in the Premier League this season.

Leeds gave their head coach a remit of delivering a second season of top-flight football and, right now, there’s every chance of achieving that.

That would then lead Leeds into a big summer transfer window.

The squad evolved last summer with the signings of Rodrigo, Raphinha, Robin Koch and Diego Llorente. However, there’s work still to be done to get Leeds established in the Premier League.

Here, we’ve opted to look at the THREE key areas of Bielsa’s squad that we feel need strengthening in the summer: left-back, central midfield and, at the head coach’s likely request, on the wing.

Defence

Starting in goal, we see no reason why Illan Meslier cannot continue. He’s doing well enough and is still so young, with so much room to develop. Bielsa loves him and so do 90% of the club’s fanbase. Easy choice.

Onto the defence.

Luke Ayling should continue after a solid start to life as a Premier League player, whilst Robin Koch and Diego Llorente should be the centre-back partnership. That could be the case later in the season, when both are fully fit.

We introduce a first potential signing at left-back in the form of Jordan Amavi.

Leeds have been linked with a move for the 26-year-old, who currently plays for Marseille. He’s formerly of Aston Villa and Bielsa could look to lure him back to the Premier League in a bid to capitalise on French football’s precarious situation.

Midfield

Kalvin Phillips picks himself in the midfield, as does Mateusz Klich. He’s been slightly off the boil recently, but five Premier League assists already tell you that the Polish international has what it takes.

Joining them in midfield could well be Derby County youngster, Louie Sibley. Speculation surrounding Leeds and the 19-year-old doesn’t seem to be going away.

He could be a great fit and someone for Bielsa to develop.

Obviously, we’ve got the likes of Jamie Shackleton on the books, but Sibley’s know-how when it comes to scoring goals might just give him a slight edge if he arrives.

We all dream of Rodrigo De Paul signing, but the chances of that remain slim. It is, after all, a dream.

Onto the wingers, where we have gone with Raphinha; an outstanding summer signing, who is only going to get better.

On the opposite flank, we look to the third and final potential signing: Adama Traore.

Victor Orta is a big admirer of the Wolves flyer, who is at a stand-off with the Molineux club over a new contract.

He could be an outstanding signing, potentially freeing up Ian Poveda for a loan.

There’s Jack Harrison and Helder Costa too, which would underline Leeds evolving with quality depth now on show.

Striker

The signing of Sibley (or any other midfielder) will allow Rodrigo a chance to challenge Patrick Bamford for a starting berth.

Right now, you’d have Bamford over most top-flight strikers. However, we all know six months is a short time in football.

Rodrigo could well be Leeds’ No.9 next season, with Bamford his back-up. That might seem harsh but, again, we are underlining the need to evolve the squad and add depth.

A bench potentially including the likes of Liam Cooper, Stuart Dallas, Harrison and Bamford would be terrific.

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Leeds United Season Ticket Holder at Elland Road for over 20 seasons. Currently nestled in N12, but occasionally offering views from the press box. We’ve been through it all together? You bet.