Whilst Leeds United has allayed any PSR issues from last term, we’d still be prudent in looking at the free market for players capable of making an impact.
Here I look at three young transfers which would represent exceptional value, with the potential to become regular first team players this season.
DIVIN MUBAMA – 19 – CF – formerly of West Ham United
Initially, the first thing that jumps out at you when you see Mubama play is that he has serious physical presence on the pitch. He can hold the ball up, interlink well and he challenges in the air very well, thanks to his balance and upper body strength. His first touch could do with some minor work, but more often than not he’s fine with it.
Mubama has instinctual movement and finishing in the box, two traits you absolutely love to see in a number 9. He excels at peeling off or jinking his runs or simply halting his run to give him the space needed to get on the ball in dangerous areas
With West Ham allowing him to leave on a free, he has the potential to become a frequent goal scorer at EFL level, and the move could do wonders for his progression.
Mubama is such a noticeably clean striker of the ball. He hits it true and he hits it with pace. He’s also more than capable of pinging goals from outside of the box, too, which just adds another string to his bow. A capable goal scorer with his head, he’d also add that extra threat in the box from crosses and from set pieces, which has been a desperate need of Leeds for a long time.
Mubama is a player I’d be more than comfortable to take a punt on, given there is no initial outlay for the young finisher. He could really find his feet at EFL level and only progress from there.
REUELL WALTERS – 19 – RB – formerly of Arsenal
Walters has recently nixed plans on signing a new Arsenal contract, seeking first team football. This leaves the young starlet and England u20 representative available on a free, which makes this signing incredibly appealing given his talent.
Walters is a marauding right back who exudes calmness in possession, who travels up the pitch with the ball really well, breaking the lines with ease. Not only that, he can ping crossfield balls on to toes and he does so often from what I’ve seen. Very good feet for his stature. Walters is a chance creator, often involved in the build up play for goals. Also capable of playing at CB. He’s physically strong, pacy, a solid blocker, positionally astute – in that he can block a lot of the easier passing lanes off and nick the ball before it progresses too far along, thanks to good decision making.
Primarily I think he’d be a great fit for Leeds as a more attacking full back, something we didn’t have much of at all from right back last season. His incisive runs and passing range are pretty insane for a lad his age, and with more experience he’s only going to get better. Would add a very different look to our right hand side.
The only notable downside is lack of first team experience. Having said that, I’d be comfortable signing him on a free on the basis of also having someone to rotate with him, as I think integrating into men’s first team football would be smoother if he weren’t the sole full back we relied on. Although potential wise he would likely become our main starter over time as he’s just that good.
Arsenal seem to have messed up here, but with Ben White performing so well and the signing of Jurrien Timber, there just wasn’t a clear path to first team football for the lad.
Suffice to say, he’d be a great signing on a free. Sky is the limit if he gets game time.
KARAMOKO DEMBELE – 21 – AM – formerly of Stade Brestois
Dembele is a diminutive talent and former England youth wonderkid who excelled at League 1 club Blackpool in 23/ 24, whilst on loan from Stade Brestois.
Dembele is incredibly press resistant with exceptional ball control. The term ‘velcro feet’ springs to mind. Dembele is the owner of a cultured left foot that can thread a pass through the eye of a needle. He favours quick, short passing and movement to get up the pitch when passing allows, but he’s primarily a proficient and instinctual dribbler who loves to open up space.
For his short stature he also plays well into the physical aspects of the game, showing decent strength and ability to take bumps and turn with his back to goal, freeing up space to find a dribble or pass to a teammate.
Dembele has versatitlity coming out of his ears, too. Playing comfortably as an attacking midfielder, central midfield or off the right in the half spaces. His dynamism and decision making with his final balls and shots have seen him get 13 assists last season and outperform his xG by 3.32, scoring eight goals for Blackpool.
Dembele is the most tenured of the three in regards to senior football and he’s destined for good things after kickstarting his career once again. A pure talent who looks to take real joy in playing football. The 21-year-old would fit in effortlessly into a top EFL Championship team and Leeds would be smart to show interest this summer.
Author – Ryan Thomas.
Written by Dillinger July 03 2024 14:46:19
