Why Signing Cardiff City’s Declan John Would Be A Good Move For Leeds United
Leeds United, still not having fully replaced Charlie Taylor at left-back, are reportedly interested in making a bid for Cardiff City’s Declan John. Presumably, such a move can’t be sanctioned until next summer, given that Rangers have a loan deal which keeps John at Ibrox until next June. However, it remains to be seen whether all parties could agree on a package.
The short answer as to whether or not John would be a good move for Leeds is ‘yes’. Cardiff allowed John to leave on loan in the summer but it’s not clear as to why they chose to do so. His move left them with only Joe Bennett as a recognised left-back in the squad and most would now argue that John is a better player.
As if to confirm this, John got his chance in the Rangers team in their away game at Hamilton Academical and put in a superb display from left-back, even scoring twice in the 4-1 win. He’s gone on to play every game since then and is arguably making himself their first choice at left-back.
With Lee Wallace returning at some stage, Myles Beerman coming along nicely and any potential fee possibly being an issue, John is far from certain to remain at Rangers permanently. Whatever the reason he was allowed to walk out of Cardiff by Neil Warnock may not have been addressed either, and so a permanent move away from South Wales looks increasingly likely, with the English Championship being the most likely destination.
Availability may not be an issue, nor would a fee as far as Leeds are concerned, and I would say that they could do a hell of a lot worse than Declan John in this position.
Unless an absolute superstar for this level comes along, a move for John is a no-brainer anyway, considering that Leeds have no left-back right now.
Gaetano Berardi does his best in the role and others have filled in too. However, when trying to achieve promotion or trying to stay in the Premier League, clubs cannot afford to go into too many games without recognised specialists in each and every position.
One thing Thomas Christiansen has is his attacking attitude and thus any left-back coming into Leeds will be expected to be as competent going forward as they are at the back. Declan John certainly fits that bill too.