Why Leeds United should sign Ibai Gomez in January transfer window
According to Daily Star, Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has identified Ibai Gomez as the player to sign in January. The Argentine has demanded one player in the winter window not just to push for promotion but also for the Championship title. And he is turning towards getting a player who he managed at Atletic Bilbao.
Gomez is currently playing for Alaves in the La Liga, however, his contract expires at the end of this season. Hence, there is a huge chance for Leeds to secure a deal for the 28-year-old in January. (Daily Star)
Here’s why the Peacocks should sign the Spaniard before any other potential suitor comes calling:
Manager and player know each other
Bielsa was the manager of Atletic Bilbao between 2011 and 2013. Gomez played for the same club for six years, spanning from 2010 to 2016. Hence, the Spaniard was present when the legendary manager took charge of the club. So he would be knowing how the gaffer’s system.
Therefore, if the 28-year-old joins Leeds, the adaptation process would involve settling down in a new country and atmosphere. In this scenario, the player can come in and perform straight away.
Gomez is a winger who can play on both flanks. His crossing is devilish, he can thread incisive key passes and is a set-piece specialist. In fact, the Spaniard was an expert at the latter when Bielsa was at Bilbao.
Having won four of the first five games played this season, Leeds United have struggled to keep the early-season momentum going. They have only won three of their last 10 matches, which is surely an undermining stat for a team aiming for promotion and the Championship title.
One of the main reasons for this downward form is the squad getting fatigued due to the number of games being played in such short spaces of time.
The Peacocks do not boast a wide squad, especially in the wide attacking areas. When Pablo Hernandez got injured, they really struggled to replace him with genuine quality in the games he was out.
Read More: Who is this versatile 20-year-old personally scouted by Bielsa? A big talent for the future?
Hence, getting Gomez over the line at Elland Road is imperative for Bielsa and his men. They can not only improve the squad but also enhance the quality of the first-team.