Leeds United’s injury problems are threatening to derail their promotion bid this season, and Victor Orta will need to take the sparsity of Bielsa’s options in central defence into deep consideration when the January window reopens for business.
Orta was busy in the summer transfer window recruiting players who were predominantly brought in to bolster Leeds’ options in attack, but it quickly became apparent that the club were light on defensive options in the first month of the season. Bielsa was forced to scrape the barrel at the Liberty Stadium when he took his side to Swansea as he was forced to move Luke Ayling into central defence and start Jamie Shackleton, a central midfielder by trade, at full-back.
Leeds have managed to deal with the problems posed by notable long-term absences impressively for the most part, but a crushing 4-1 defeat against West Bromwich Albion last weekend served to illuminate their frailties in central defence.
With Gaetano Berardi sidelined until February 2019 and Pontus Jansson now also facing a spell on the sidelines, the need for a new central defender has never been more pressing.
The signing of an experienced and reliable defender should be at the very top of Orta’s priority list when he begins to draw up his shortlist ahead of the January window, and a recent report from the Daily Mail suggests that a perfect target has been given the green light to complete a mid-season switch, namely Gary Cahil.
With 61 England caps to his name and a wealth of both Champions League and Premier League experience, Cahil is exactly the type of player who could turn Elland Road into a fortress.
As nerves begin to jangle with a potential return to the Premier League in sight, Cahil would install composure and solidity into a defensive unit which could capitulate under the pressure which a gruelling promotion race evokes.
EFL rules state that clubs are not permitted to sign any more than 4 players from the same club on loan, so Cahil would be available to join Leeds even with the presence of Izzy Brown, Jamaal Blackman and Lewis Baker.
Considering Cahil will be available on a free transfer in June 2019 when his contract expires, Orta may even wish to entertain the prospect of signing him on a cut-price permanent deal if Chelsea are willing to accept a significantly reduced fee for a player who is destined to leave for nothing anyway.
Either way, Cahil’s arrival could be the difference between a play-off place and automatic promotion, so Orta must use his positive negotiating relationship with Chelsea to decisive effect once again in January.
Leeds fans – thoughts on Cahil? Let us know below!
