Leeds United are keen on signing Dario Essugo, a young and talented midfielder from Sporting CP.
The 19-year-old, currently on loan at Las Palmas in La Liga, is gaining attention for his defensive skills and ability to recover the ball.
Leeds could bring him in for £6 million on a loan-to-buy deal this January.
Why Leeds Need Essugo
Under manager Daniel Farke, Leeds play attacking football, with their full-backs often pushing high up the pitch.
This strategy can leave their defence open to quick counter-attacks. Players like Ethan Ampadu and Ao Tanaka have worked hard to stop these threats, but Leeds could use more depth in their midfield.
Farke was not happy with Ao Tanaka’s performance during the recent 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers. Tanaka’s lapse in concentration allowed Blackburn to score a late equaliser.
Leeds are now looking at Essugo as someone who could step up in such situations.
Essugo’s Impressive Stats
Essugo’s numbers this season are eye-catching. Playing for Las Palmas, he ranks as the second-best Under-23 player in Europe for ball recoveries.
He averages 2.4 tackles and 1.9 interceptions per game, showing his strong defensive abilities.
However, the young midfielder still has room for improvement. His four yellow cards in 12 starts suggest his timing in tackles could get better.
Even so, his aggressive style of play could fit perfectly into Leeds’ midfield.
Praise for Essugo
Luis Dias, a consultant for the Portuguese Football Federation, recently praised Essugo’s maturity and physicality on the pitch. He also highlighted Essugo’s calmness and confidence with the ball.
“Essugo stood out because of his physical condition and personality on the ball,” Dias told Marca. “He made a big jump in his development, moving up three youth categories in a short time.”
Challenges in Signing Essugo
Leeds face some obstacles in securing Essugo’s services. First, they need Sporting CP to end his loan deal with Las Palmas early.
Second, while Leeds are offering £6 million, Sporting may want more for a player with a £37 million release clause.
Farke has hinted that Leeds may have a quiet January transfer window, with injured players like Junior Firpo and Illia Gruev returning to action soon.
However, if Leeds can secure Essugo, he could add much-needed strength and depth to their midfield.
For more Leeds United news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates directly to your phone.
