Why should Leeds United sign Lewis Macleod from Brentford
According to reports in Scottish Sun, Former Rangers star Lewis Macleod has rebuffed a new contract offer from Brentford. The 24-year-old finally managed to establish a place in the Bees’ line-up after a horrendous knee injury which kept him out of action for 311 days and 41 games.
However, with Dean Smith now moving to Aston Villa, the midfielder is keeping his options open in the final year of his deal. He could well be a free agent next summer for any club to come and take advantage. (Scottish Sun)
As per the report, Championship club Leeds United are keeping close tabs on the Scotland U21 international. Here’s why Marcelo Bielsa’s men should increase the interest levels and sign the 24-year-old:
Macleod would add squad depth at Elland Road
Lewis Macleod is a versatile midfield player who can operate in various positions across the midfield according to the requirement of the team. The Scot can play as a defensive midfielder, a central midfielder or as a wide midfielder on either wing.
Leeds United, after making a good start under Bielsa, are now starting to show signs of slight fatigue. It is because they lack real squad depth in which the manager can trust and rotate the first eleven.
In defensive midfield, other than Kalvin Phillips, there is hardly another player in the squad who can replace the 22-year-old when he needs rest.
Macleod can perform the role of either adding squad depth or play in one of the midfield positions. He is a quality player who could fit the way Bielsa likes to play football.
The 24-year-old is a quality passer of the ball and possesses the work rate to cover the ground in the midfield and close people down. His defensive contribution is as vital to his game as threading key passes through to the forward runners.
The Peacocks can even sign him on a cut-price in January, just because they might get short on options if Phillips get an injury. Moreover, they have the option to sign the player on a free transfer next summer, presuming that he won’t agree to a new contract at Brentford.
Read More: Why Leeds signing Bielsa’s former protege would surely be a step in the right direction
In any case, Leeds should keep close attention on the development of Macleod’s situation and sign him before any other potential suitor takes him away.