Leeds United have enquired about the possibility of signing Patrick Erras after the 25-year-old’s contract with Nuremberg expired, according to Bild.
The defensive midfielder, who is also capable of playing at centre-back, made 20 appearances for the Bundesliga 2 club this season, scoring three goals (as per Transfermarkt.co.uk).
According to the report, the German outfit are working to try and re-sign the player but as well as the interest from Marcelo Bielsa’s side, it is understood that Werder Bremen are ‘seriously interested’ in landing the 6ft 5in player.
Erras earned an average performance rating of 6.67/10 in the Bundesliga 2 during the 2019/20 campaign, making him the club’s 10th-most consistent performer (via WhoScored.com). His pass success percentage rate was 83% and on average he won 3.3 aerial duels per match, while his strengths are said to lie in his abilities in the air and blocking the ball.
Based on WhoScored‘s data, Erras tends to perform better in a slightly more advanced midfield role as opposed to being the deepest-lying player. His average performance rating in the centre of the park stands at 7.31/10, in comparison to the 6.93/10 rating he has been awarded for his displays in a more defensive position.
TIF Thoughts…
Leeds United’s defensive-midfield position has been occupied for the most part this season by Kalvin Phillips. The 24-year-old has made 37 appearances in the Championship this season so far and boasts an impressive average performance rating of 7.22/10. Therefore, if Erras was to move to Elland Road, you could argue he may struggle for a starting position.