REPORT: Leeds United plan to submit official offer to SIGN emerging Manchester City defender with HUGE potential after helping EFL rivals win trophy last season…. Will be a Huge add up beside Firpo.
Leicester City, one of the three sides that secured promotion to the Premier League, had a formidable defensive record in the Championship last season. As Leeds United missed out on promotion, it could be worthwhile for them to consider some of the players who helped Leicester achieve success.
With the possibility of losing as many as three center-backs this summer, including the ongoing efforts to re-sign former loanee Joe Rodon, Liam Cooper’s contract situation, and the potential departure of Charlie Cresswell for around £3 million, Leeds may need reinforcements across their entire backline.
Additionally, Leeds have only two recognized full-backs in Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, both of whom faced injury issues last season. Given these circumstances, strengthening either flank would be a wise move for Leeds.
Leeds United should launch a summer move for Manchester City’s Callum Doyle
Similar to last summer, Premier League loans are likely to form a significant part of Leeds’ transfer strategy, although genuine links have been scarce so far.
While Leeds are rumored to be interested in Chelsea’s Alfie Gilchrist, he is not currently at the top of their priority list behind the scenes.
Instead, one player Leeds should consider is Manchester City’s Callum Doyle, who spent last season on loan at Leicester City.
Prior to that, Doyle played a crucial role in helping Sunderland secure promotion from League One and then came within a penalty shootout of reaching the Premier League with Coventry City.
Despite suffering a mid-season knee injury, Doyle made 17 league appearances for Leicester last season, and his team won 12 of the 14 games he started.
Doyle is equally capable of playing in the center or on the left side of the defense, and his versatility makes him an incredibly attractive option.
Not only could he provide cover for Pascal Struijk, who last played on Boxing Day, but he could also add a more defensively stable option to the squad at left-back.
During his time at Sunderland, Doyle was described by manager Lee Johnson as the best passer of the ball in League One, offering a completely different profile to the overlapping Firpo.
Another of his former managers at Sunderland, Alex Neil, labeled him a “fantastic footballer,” making him perfectly suited to Daniel Farke’s patient style of play.
Doyle could be available this summer
Despite his contribution to Leicester’s title-winning campaign, the Daily Telegraph has reported that he will be returning to Manchester City this summer.
It appears highly unlikely that he will be able to force his way into City’s plans for the upcoming season, with players like Josko Gvardiol and Nathan Ake ahead of him in his position.
At this point, it remains uncertain whether City would be open to another loan move, given that Doyle has already been at three different clubs, or if they will seek a permanent sale.
Regardless, Leeds need to be proactive, as Doyle could add significant quality to their currently limited defensive options.