OPINION
Leeds must solve their problem area at centre-back by reigniting reported January interest in Partick Thistle centre-back Liam Lindsay this summer.
The Scottish Sun reported on the eve of the January transfer window that Leeds were keeping tabs on the impressive central defender, after shining at the back for the Caley Jags this season.
Here, This Is Futbol analyses three reasons why the Yorkshire giants should go back in for Lindsay this summer.
Loss of Bartley
Following Garry Monk’s decision to resign from the Elland Road hotseat, a permanent deal for Kyle Bartley from Swansea is looking increasingly unlikely. The former Arsenal and Rangers defender moved to Leeds last season, and warmed the hearts of the Whites’ faithful as he played a crucial part in the Championship outfit’s efforts to finish in the top six of England’s second tier. Wearing the captain’s armband on occasion, the loss of Bartley will hit Leeds hard and signing a new defender that possesses similar traits to him is crucial. Lindsay has the height and strength that matches Bartley’s, which could help him prove to be a perfect replacement for the Swansea defender.
Goalscoring prowess
Despite featuring at centre-half, Lindsay found the back of the net seven times last season during his 42 league and cup appearances north of the border. Last season, Leeds relied upon goals from top scorer Chris Wood who found the back of the net 30 times with the former Champions League side. However, Leeds’ second highest goalscorer was tied between Bartley, Souleymane Doukara and Pablo Hernandez on just six strikes. Bringing in a player that knows how to find the back of the net from a less attacking area of the pitch will remove the pressure on New Zealand international Wood, and help Leeds to become more prolific as they look to push themselves towards promotion next term.
Problem area at centre-back
Losing Bartley, Leeds could also be set to lose Sweden international Pontus Jansson as Sky Sports claim the former Torino and Malmo defender is attracting interest from the Premier League. That would leave just Liam Cooper at centre-back, if Jansson was to leave. Bringing in Lindsay would be a must this summer at Elland Road, to give Leeds cover. Three centre-backs are needed at a minimum next season, and signing Lindsay could be just the start of a defensive shake-up orchestrated by the man who will replace Monk next season.