Leeds United are expected to announce the signing of Jaka Bijol in the coming hours, but he was not the only centre-back Leeds were after this summer – as The Whites looked to bring in cover.
Bijol’s addition leaves Leeds with five central defenders. Joe Rodon and Bijol are expected to start while vice-captain Pascal Struijk will provide cover. Max Wober and James Debayo also remain on Leeds’ books.
But Wober has been told by Leeds he can find a new club this summer, while youngster Debayo is yet to sign a contract offer. It has now been a month since Leeds offered the London-born star a new deal.
With Wober not part of Leeds’ plans moving forward and Debayo either likely to leave permanently, or sign a contract and go on loan, Leeds still need another centre-back signing to act as cover to Bijol.
Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty ImagesMan City’s Juma Bah makes decision after Leeds United links
Bought by Man City in January from Real Valladolid for £5m, teenage defender Bah has been linked with Leeds after impressing on loan at RC Lens during the second half of last term. He will go on loan again.
However, Southampton were said to be leading Leeds in the race for the Sierra Leone international due to Will Still joining as manager – having left Lens to go to Southampton. But now, a return to France is likely.
The Sun’s Alan Nixon says Lyon and Nice are the front runners to land centre-back Bah, with the player himself actually preferring a move to Nice. Man City have decided Ligue 1 is best for his development.
Photo by Malcolm Couzens/Getty ImagesBah decision could tempt Debayo to sign a new Leeds deal
The issue Leeds have in signing cover at centre-back is finding a player that is willing to sit on the bench. Bah might have been willing to do so in the Premier League but realistically, he would be fourth choice.
MORE LEEDS UNITED STORIES
Given the obvious struggle Leeds will have in convincing a player to join, it may tempt Debayo to sign a deal and stay put. It would see him be fourth-choice, excluding Ethan Ampadu, and may get game time.
Whether Leeds go back in for another centre-back after Bijol and indeed Bah, remains to be seen. But any move will have an impact on whether Debayo signs a new contract, or chooses to leave Elland Road.