OPINION
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has already revealed he is not planning on dipping his toes too deep into the January transfer window – but it could well be that the right bargain this month will tempt him to splash some cash.
It is quite clear that after a summer of heavy investment Andrea Radrizzani does not want to dig too deep into his own pockets but at the same time will know that the squad needs improving if they are to guarantee promotion to the Premier League – especially after Saturday’s 2-1 defeat to Stoke City.
Adam Forshaw and Mateusz Klich were the midfield duo for Bielsa at the Potters and quite frankly they were some way off the desired standard for a title chasing side – so rumours of an exciting bargain swoop for another central talent puts the pair under real pressure.
Reputable publication France Football claim that Bielsa has been keeping close tabs on Dijon midfielder Mehdi Abeid, who could well be on the move this month for a cut price as he heads into the final six months of his contract at the Ligue 1 outfit.
With experience of England already, having played 21 games for Newcastle United, 13 in the Premier League, the five cap Algerian international should have no problems in returning and adding to that his time in France’s top flight he would be a quality addition to the squad at Elland Road – not to mention coming at a reasonable price.
So the question is what would his arrival do for those already at Elland Road?
Able to play in a defensive, central or attacking role, he could cover plenty of players but he would not be signing to play as back up, leaving senior duo Klich and Forshaw under serious pressure to keep their places in the starting XI.
Abeid would be a real upgrade on the options at the club, bringing a technical ability which would balance the physical talents already at Elland Road nicely, and for a cut price would be a savvy addition at that.