OPINION
When a player has a record of 12 goals and 23 assists in the division below, any club should be interested in giving that talent the chance to shine at a higher level – but it appears as though Leeds United are willing to pass up on that chance.
The star in question is Peterborough United’s attacking midfielder Marcus Maddison, who tore up League One last season to leave a number of sides reportedly interested in snapping up his services.
He might have remained with the Posh past the permanent deadline but a loan deal is certainly not off the cards, with Peterborough Today claiming that it is in fact the Whites who are in pole position.
However, Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Evening Post does not seem to agree, stating on his personal Twitter account that fans and followers should “shoot me” if he does end up signing a deal at Elland Road.
His update does not sound too promising, does it? In fact, it suggests there is little to no chance of this move going ahead.
if Leeds sign this lad then shoot me by all means but seriously, I can't believe how much has been written about this.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 15, 2018
Hay is a reputable source of information surround Leeds, and if he suggests something is not happening, it most likely is not going to go through – but that does not mean it should not.
Quite frankly, there were few better players in the third tier than Maddison, whose record speaks for itself.
An assist king with the ability to net on a consistent basis is every manager’s dream in attack, and Marcelo Bielsa would be making a major transfer blunder were he to miss out on this one.
Yes, it might only be a loan but at least that way Leeds can get a proper look at the 24-year-old and judge whether he truly has what it takes to be a Championship star.
Again, 23 assists and 12 goals in 53 appearances last season is a record which cannot be ignored, and the Whites will regret passing up the opportunity if he is not at Elland Road before the loan window slams shut,