Leeds United seem set to complete their fourth signing of the January transfer window…
What’s the latest?
That’s according to Fabrizio Romano, who took to Twitter to issue the following update on Diogo Monteiro’s proposed move to Elland Road.
He wrote, whilst also noting the Weston McKennie deal: “Portuguese centre-back Diogo Monteiro has just completed medical tests as new Leeds United player.”
Should Marsch have let Llorente leave?
Yes
No
He continued: “Deal set to be signed — Monteiro will replace Llorente who’s set to join AS Roma. Meanwhile, Weston McKennie is also set to complete medicals with Leeds.”
With a spot now opening up at centre back with the exit of the Spaniard, Monteiro could see himself fast-tracked to the first team squad to potentially pair the other new man Max Wober.
Imagine him & Wober
Having secured a deal for the Austrian defender earlier in the window, he entered as an out-and-out defender, whose statistics only serve to prove this.
His sole prerogative is keeping the ball from going in the net, and if that means sacrificing his ability in possession then so be it. As such, before the move, he was averaging a disappointing 77% pass accuracy but was recording 1.2 interceptions, 1.7 tackles and 2.1 clearances per game, via Sofascore.
A lack of incentive to play football could be due to his “limited pace“, but as journalist Beren Cross goes on to say, he remains: “A leader, a beast one vs one, strong in the air, digs out lazy teammates”, and more.
Therefore, it might be more intelligent to pair him with someone boasting the finesse that he seems to lack.
Fortunately, that seems to exactly fit Monteiro’s description.
The 18-year-old only has a handful of senior appearances to his name for FC Servette but has shown an impressive ability to adapt to senior football. He records a markedly improved 83% pass accuracy, of which 76% are successful when in the opposition’s half.
Clearly preferring to be the classy foil to a defensive brute, in no time at all Monteiro could form a fine partnership with the 6 foot 2 Austrian who brings blistering form with him to Yorkshire.
He could be imperative in developing this teenage sensation with the world at his feet.
