Leeds United have been linked with a move for a new left-back in recent days.
According to Football Insider, the Premier League side have been credited with interest in Stoke City star Josh Tymon, although they face competition for his signature.
Championship outfit Norwich City and Scottish giants Rangers are also keen on signing the 23-year-old defender.
He’s likely to cost around £6m with the Potters reluctant to sell one of Michael O’Neill’s important players.
Should Leeds move for Josh Tymon?
YES!
NO!
Leeds’ left-back problem
The Yorkshiremen have struggled to find a suitable left-sided option ever since fan-favourite Gjanni Alioski left the club. There have even been calls from some sections of the Elland Road faithful for the attack-minded dynamo to return after Al-Ahli were relegated from the Saudi Pro League.
Last summer, Marcelo Bielsa brought in Junior Firpo from Barcelona but he has struggled to adapt to life in England, and perhaps the physicality of the Premier League.
His struggles have been highlighted by Mirror journalist David Anderson, who told GIVEMESPORT:
“All he seems to do is get booked all the time. I think he’s up to 10 yellow cards or something. You don’t expect that from a player coming from Barcelona; you expect a bit of class, a bit of maturity, a bit of leadership, and he’s provided none of that, really.
“I think he’s been a big let-down. You’re looking around that changing room thinking, ‘Who’s going to step up and do it for us now?’ And you’d be looking at someone like him, but he’s just not. In fact, if anything, he’s been more of a liability for Leeds,” he said.
But can Tymon be the man to finally fill that void?
Tymon the target
Once described as an “outstanding young talent” by West Brom boss Steve Bruce, the former England U20 international played almost every minute for Stoke in the Championship last term.
Indeed, he played over 400 minutes more than any other player. Meanwhile, only two other players provided more assists (four) than him. Tymon also averaged 1.3 tackles, 0.8 interceptions and 1.1 key passes per game, via WhoScored.
That ability to contribute at both ends of the pitch certainly draws some similarity to Alioski, who was more renowned for his erratic attacking ability over his defensive capabilities, but he could still do the job at the back.
” I certainly think that playing as a left wing-back suits him maybe more so than being a left-back or a wide left player,” claimed his manager last season.
Interestingly, StatsBomb dubbed him the “nutmeg king” after he led the Championship with 14 nutmegs in 2021/22.
On the above evidence, director of football Victor Orta should launch a bid for Tymon as he could well be the man to finally replace Alioski along that left flank.
For £6m, it has to be an absolute bargain as it would be half the price of Firpo.
AND in other news, Phil Hay relays exciting transfer update…
