Leeds United are building towards what promises to be a frenetic conclusion to the summer transfer window.
Following the departure of some of the club’s crucial players, The Whites are busy looking for new players to strengthen their squad before the window closes.
Leeds Manager Daniel Farke is under pressure to find replacements after his Championship Play-Off finalists were raided by Premier League clubs.
Leeds Target Manuel Benson
One player who has caught Leeds’ eye is Manuel Benson from Burnley. Well-known Belgian journalist Sacha Tavolieri revealed that Leeds are extremely keen to sign Benson.
The Belgian international winger, who plays for Burnley and is expected to move on his way this summer after being freezed out by the club’s manager Scott Parke.
Tavolieri also indicated that Benson, who is an Angolan international, has not played in Burnley’s first two Championship games this season. So rumors about his departure are growing.
Leeds aren’t the only club interested in signing Benson. Sunderland are also looking closely at the winger, and if Jonathan Rowe leaves Norwich City, then they might also join the race for him.
However, Leeds seem best-placed to land Benson, with personal terms unlikely to be a problem. Benson is currently earning £25,000 a week at Burnley and Leeds would be able to match or better that offer anyway.
Why Benson Could Be a Perfect Fit for Leeds
Benson has a proven track record at this level. Signed in 2022 from Royal Antwerp for just £3 million, he had an impressive season, scoring 11 goals and providing three assists in 33 appearances.
Helped by his performances on the pitch, Burnley won their championship in April 2023 thereby earning promotion to play in the Premier League.
One of Benson’s strengths is his ability to cut inside from the right wing and unleash spectacular shots with his stronger left foot.
This has prompted comparisons with none other than Gareth Bale, who is a player known for skill and speed beyond belief by his appearances on the pitch.
Patrick de Koster, Benson’s agent, described him as a “very, very technical attacking player” who is best up front when deployed on the wing.
Adding Balance to Farke’s Attack
Leeds United still boast some top quality players such as Wilfried Gnonto and Daniel James.
However both of them are right-footed attackers, leaving the team out of balance in attack.
While Gnonto prefers to cut inside from the left flank, having another right-footer in James playing on the right side has made Leeds’ attack predictable.
This is where Benson could make a real difference. Benson would give Leeds a new point of attack.
Eventually, his ability to come inside from the right and create goal-scoring opportunities would make him a dangerous outlet for Leeds.
With Benson on board, Farke would finally have a more balanced team and one that is more likely to live up to promotion hopes.
A Move That Makes Sense
Given Burnley’s willingness to sell and the fact that agreeing personal terms shouldn’t be hard, Leeds could nail down this deal in next to no time.
Signing Benson would be a smart move for Leeds as they look to fill the void left by their earlier sale of attacking talent.
As the transfer window is closing fast, Leeds supporters should keep an eye on this one. That’s because any moment from now Benson could be heading for Elland Road.
In short, Leeds United are doing everything they can to sign Manuel Benson, a player who could reignite their promotion push.
After a tough summer, this might just be the transfer that gives Leeds the edge they need in the Championship.
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