OPINION
Leeds United have a real problem in the right-back position at the moment, so they must seal a deal for free agent Glen Johnson as soon as the January transfer window opens.
Manager Marcelo Bielsa is currently without Luke Ayling due to injury, and it is safe to say that his replacement Stuart Dallas is not really coping well with the responsibility.
However, seeming as Johnson is now available on a free transfer after being released by Stoke City in the summer, Bielsa would be very wise indeed to snap him up.
Yes, admittedly he is 34 years old, but having played for the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea he has the proven Premier League experience that would prove invaluable to a team like Leeds who are chasing promotion.
Johnson – who has over 350 appearances to his name in the top-flight – would be an incredible upgrade on Dallas, as he has the experience to really make the right-back role his own.
Basically, on paper, Johnson provides everything the Whites need in order to address their problems at right-back.
Keeping Dallas in the role will seriously hamper Leeds’ promotion efforts this season – seeming as they are one of the favourites, Bielsa needs a top-quality team competing week in, week out to prevent a scrap for the play-off spots.
Dallas has been underwhelming, but Bielsa must take comfort in the fact that there are better options like Johnson readily available.
It is obvious that the ex-Premier League ace is not a long-term option, but he is the perfect option right to contribute to Leeds’ promotion charge.
Bielsa would be onto a winner with a swoop for Johnson – and then he will definitely have a team on his hands capable of thriving in the top flight.