OPINION
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa might have taken some time getting the ball rolling on his transfer business this summer but with a day left until the market slams shut, the Whites faithful will be feeling pretty satisfied with what they have seen.
Elland Road has seen a handful of players deemed surplus to requirements depart and in their place a number of quality arrivals, such as Barry Douglas and Patrick Bamford.
It would appear Bielsa is not quite finished shaping his squad, but some might argue that it is looking a bit thin on bodies with a full Championship season ahead of them.
The Yorkshire Evening Post’s Phil Hay claims on his personal Twitter account that 25-year-old left back Laurens De Bock has not yet left the club, despite reports suggesting so, but that he is looking for another club with his chances of first team action looking slim.
not to my knowledge but I was told by people in Belgium that he's been looking for another club. Doesn't look like he's going to feature here.
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) August 8, 2018
With Douglas taking the starting XI role, De Bock is the next natural left back in line to fill the gap, making it a risk if he is to head out.
However, after the Belgian found himself behind young talent Tom Pearce last season, it appears as though Bielsa is taking a calculated gamble that the 20-year-old can act as a reliable understudy for the former Wolves man – despite a distinct lack of first team action.
Pearce is one for the future and looked composed when called upon by Paul Heckingbottom, and ridding De Bock’s wages off the books could help the club make some more recruitment this summer.
It might be a risky move letting an experienced option leave, but this is one which looks like it will pay off for Bielsa and Leeds.