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View: Departed Leeds United man has significant task ahead of him after big transfer fee

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Leeds United have allowed Leif Davis to leave the club on a permanent move this week, as he joined Ipswich Town.

Leeds have seen a number of players leave this summer, whether they be the marquee exits of Kalvin Phillips and Raphinha, or the loans for players vying for more game time.

Loose ends have been needed to be tied up, and one of those was left-back Leif Davis, who travelled to Australia with the first-team squad, but had his future in the air the entire time he was on tour.

A return to UK soil brought a move to League One Ipswich Town in a reported £1million deal, where he signs a three-year deal with the option of a fourth.

As Davis looks to hit the ground running at Portman Road, our LeedsAllOver writers Toby (Neutral) and Kris (FA5) explore whether this could be the kickstart that Davis’ career needed…

It still feels as though Davis may have something of a job on his hands at Ipswich.

The 22-year-old is now one of three left-backs on the books at Portman Road, with Matt Penney and fellow new signing Greg Leigh also available for Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna to call upon.

As a result, there will be plenty of competition for Davis as he looks to force his way into the Ipswich team, especially given those other two options do have plenty of EFL experience.

However, given the investment Ipswich have put into him in terms of fee and contract, it would be a surprise if they did not give him the chance to make a mark at Portman Road.

With that in mind, you would expect chances to come for Davis at some point, and he does have the potential and ability to make the most of those.

Do Leeds still need a left-back in January?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Echoing what Toby has said, I think it will be hard for McKenna to leave Davis out for much of the season when his club have put a seven-figure fee down for him.

At League One level, it’s a very expensive signing, so he’ll have to justify that with regular playing time for the left-back.

As for Davis himself, I think we can all safely say he’s more than good enough to be a key player for them at this level and beyond.

The test will be around his consistency here, because he’s never had the chance to make regular starts over a season, and the competition for places behind him means a dip in form would likely lose him his place.

It won’t be clear cut for him arriving in East Anglia, given that Penney and Leigh will be looking for games too, but Davis ought to be starting.

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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.