Leeds United Target Man United’s Williams for League Comeback
The Rising Prospect of Brandon Williams: Leeds United’s Potential New Asset
In the relentless whirlwind of Premier League football, Leeds United is said to be setting their sights on a new prospect – Manchester United’s Brandon Williams, according to a report from The Independent.
Leeds’ Ambitious Plans
Facing the fierce challenges of the Premier League, Leeds United aims to fortify their ranks by securing the services of Brandon Williams. The club recognises the significant potential in the 22-year-old full-back, whose productive pre-season is drawing admiration, despite his limited opportunities at Old Trafford.
During the 2021-22 season, Williams honed his skills under the watchful eye of Daniel Farke during a loan spell at Norwich City. Now, Leeds could potentially offer Williams the chance to showcase his talents regularly within their dynamic first-team.
Manchester United’s Tactical Shift
Concurrently, United are said to be favouring permanent squad exits, spearheaded by their manager Erik ten Hag, as he meticulously works towards reshaping his squad. This strategic move would free up much-needed funds to secure their desired targets.
One such acquisition plan involves Fiorentina’s Moroccan ace Sofyan Amrabat, requiring a hefty £50m. Hence, players such as Williams, who are currently available for transfer, could provide the financial leeway to manoeuvre this deal.
However, a successful transfer will also hinge on Williams’ personal readiness to transition into a lower division, and much remains to be seen about this move’s final outcome.
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BREAKING NEWS: Leeds United, beat Leicester City and Burnley for the signing excellent winger from
According to the Express & Star, the Baggies star has attracted interest from Saudi Arabia as well as Leeds, Leicester City and Burnley. Although currently working his way back to fitness, the report states Diangana could be back training later this month.
A product of West Ham United’s academy, Diangana arrived at the Hawthorns on a permanent basis in 2020 following an impressive loan spell. As well as 37 Premier League outings, he has over 100 Championship appearances on his CV.
Although utilised as a winger by West Brom last season, he can also operate as an attacking midfielder. He is currently under the management of former Leeds coach Carlos Corberan, who was linked with the Elland Road vacancy following Sam Allardyce’s exit at the end of last season.
Leeds have made just two senior signings this summer, recruiting Ethan Ampadu from Chelsea and landing Karl Darlow from Newcastle United. Their squad has been thinned significantly, with Marc Roca, Adam Forshaw and Rodrigo among those to have departed.
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Leeds United want to sign Grady Diangana as £7m West Brom exit news emerges
Leeds United are interested in signing West Brom winger Grady Diangana, according to the Express and Star.
The newspaper reported (1 August) that the Whites face competition from Premier League side Burnley and Saudi Arabian clubs, while recently-relegated Leicester City could also challenge.
Diangana is believed to be valued at £7million by West Brom who are looking to increase their funds through player sales, after signing him from West Ham in a deal worth £18millon in 2020.
Diangana has had a tough time at West Brom since he made his loan from West Ham permanent in 2020. He has never been able to eclipse his eight-goal haul from his debut season and has not been the attacking force many Baggies fans had hoped.
However, despite his poor form in recent seasons, clubs are still seeing potential in the 25-year-old who could be looking to revitalise his promising career away from the Hawthorns.
While the Baggies must make sales, their manager Carlos Corberan has previously backed Diangana to rediscover his form. He said, via BirminghamLive (19 January), that Diangana was a “special” player who has the ability to make a difference in a game.
While not a prolific scorer these days, Diangana’s stats reveal why he could make a good Farke signing at Leeds United. His 5.42 progressive passes per 90 (81st percentile) [FBRef] shows him to be important in supporting his teammates during attacking moves.
Diangana is also defensively sound and often cuts off opposition attacks to launch counters. With 1.89 tackles per 90 (84th percentile) and 2.22 blocks per 90 (99th percentile), his ability in this department could be crucial in Farke’s system.
His energy keeps him busy across the field and could be harnessed by Farke to help him meet his potential.
Farke will be recruiting players who are comfortable at passing and linking up play but who are committed enough to the teams’ efforts that they are willing to track back and defend when required. Diangana ticks these boxes and for £7million, he could be worth a punt.
However, goalscoring is undeniably a weak spot and Leeds will need to be scoring plenty of goals next season if they want to achieve their top short-term aim of immediate promotion back to the Premier League.
West Brom seem open to a deal, and while it is a risk for Leeds considering his recent form, Diangana himself should seize this opportunity.