BBC pundit Noel Whelan has claimed that Leeds need to sign two new centre-backs after the departure of Pontus Jansson to Brentford.
He said that Leeds were short in that position last season and are in an even worse place now.
Talking on the BBC’s LUFC Bitsize podcast, Whelan suggested former Chelsea player Gary Cahill would be a good fit with his experience and leadership qualities.
“We had Kalvin Phillips stepping in to play that role,” Whelan said. “We had Berardi stepping in, we had Luke Ayling stepping in to that role.
“We’re short there. We have to go into the market now and get at least two other good proven centre-halves, preferably one with some real good experience who is a leader, and who can help Liam Cooper, because we’ve got a lot of young players there.”
Whelan mentioned Cahill and was asked if he would fit in with the Bielsa philosophy.
“You need experience to get out of that league,” Whelan replied. “Look at the other clubs and there’s experience. It’s always good to have someone there who’s good on the pitch, in the dressing room, that others can go to for guidance. It’s essential.”
VERDICT
Leeds have already added Ben White from Brighton, a ball-playing centre-back, although he hasn’t had any experience in the Championship. Brighton wanted assurances he wasn’t being signed for cover so he’s going to be in the mix next season and will probably partner Liam Cooper in the first pre-season game for Leeds against York on Wednesday night. Given that, we think one more experienced centre-back will be enough for Leeds – three solid starters is plenty. Gary Cahill would be an interesting signing. He’s only 33-years-old and would be plenty good enough to come in and do a short-term job for Leeds. A former Chelsea captain, he would come with the leadership qualities you want at the back and at 6’4″ would replace the height of Jansson He’s out of contract after his deal expired at Chelsea so wouldn’t command a fee, but his wages were high – £130k-a-week according to the Evening Standard. If Cahill gets an offer from a Premier League side then it’s tough to see how Leeds could compete. If they could land him it would represent a real coup.