Daniel Farke set to land with the £20million free agent midfielder signing at Leeds United after defeat from Blackcats
David Norris has backed Leeds United to find a potential squad booster in the free agent market to help Daniel Farke’s defensive options.
The Whites would need to look primarily to add numbers at the back if they were to pursue an out-of-window signing, with only three recognised senior centre-halves on the books in Pascal Struijk, Joe Rodon and Max Wober.
Joel Matip, John Egan and James Tomkins are among the experienced central defenders currently without a club – although Liam Cooper was on paper released from Elland Road with the centre-back reportedly set to sign for CSKA Sofia in Bulgaria (LeedsLive).
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, former midfielder Norris said: “Initially, I didn’t think the club would pursue any free agents – but it never usually comes as planned.
“If there’s the right player for them, then I’d back them to go and do it. There are a few good players out there, but then it’s a question of fitness and how they’d fit into the team.
“With the quality that remains out there at the moment and with Leeds missing out on a few targets and needing numbers, I would in fact say yes.”
Free agents come with their usual disclaimers – lack of match sharpness, wage demands, unreliable injury records, the list can be pretty extensive.
But the market this year could be of benefit and has no doubt been at least brought up in discussions behind the scenes.
Leeds United have often not held the power they once had in transfer dealings. Failure to earn promotion last season has lowered the calibre of player the club have had to target, and with that other clubs’ knowledge that the Whites were becoming desperate to add numbers to the squad.
With plenty of talent still without a club as we enter September, it becomes clear the right offer has not yet come along and as the players lower their expectations, clubs hold the cards far more than is the case during the transfer window.
If Leeds were to pick up a player like Egan, an alternative or renegotiate with Cooper, it would at least plug a void which could soon become problematic for Farke.
In other Leeds news, the potential organised reasons behind Willy Gnonto’s contract.
Gnonto’s new contract runs until 2028 so Leeds will certainly have a strong standing point in terms of negotiations should any occur.
Speaking to Football League World (10 September) Palmer shared his view on the reports.
“He’s signed a new contract, so he’s at the club until 2028, so Serie A duo Parma and Genoa are keeping a close eye on the Gnonto situation,” Palmer said.
