Leeds United are closer to returning to the topflight after many years of absence. The Garry Monk-led side currently sit in 5th position on the Championship log, relentless in their efforts not to drop off the playoff zone and making transfer plans to ensure that.
The Whites have plans to lure Norwich City winger Sergi Canos, to Elland Road this January, and they aren’t alone, with Brentford also interested in the Spaniard who has played very little of league football this season and is very much interested in plying his trade elsewhere.
The former Barcelona and Liverpool youth player has made only a start in the Championship thus far, but that hasn’t stopped the suitors from coming for his services. So, what exactly can Sergi Canos bring to the Leeds squad if they come out tops of the battle against Brentford to sign him?
The Spain under-19 forward left La Masia in 2013 as a 16-year-old bag of talents after impressing Liverpool scouts, and he quickly became a major setup of their youth ranks. Canos played every game of the Reds 2014–15 UEFA Youth League, but with competitions for places so high at the senior team setup, the Spaniard was loaned out to Brentford on a season-long loan the next season.
It was at the Griffin Park that the teenage sensation cut his teeth with the taste of senior team professional football, and his enormous talents are why the Bees are back for him. Canos demonstrated his goalscoring ability by bagging 7 goals in 38 league appearances, with 4 coming in the 2nd half of the season after he broke into the starting XI under Dean Smith.
His one-season Championship experience means he isn’t just another rookie who would be trying to get his way around the division’s football if a Leeds move works out. Klopp was willing to hand the youngster a chance to continue his growth with the first team, but contract disputes between the club and the player’s management saw him leave for Norwich.
While playing chances have been hard for Canos to come by at Carrow Road, the teenager can definitely give Leeds first-choice right-winger Hadi Sacko, a run for the money. The 22-year-old has played all of Leeds 25 Championship games this term, starting 21 and it highlights the lack of depth and competition in that role.
The Malian has 2 goals and 3 assists in the league, and despite playing limited games, his would-be competition Canos, has scored twice in the EFL Cup. His strengths – playing long shots and making defensive contributions by tackling means he can be a better goal threat than Sacko, and also help defend on the wings, taking off some of the workload on the right-back.
While walking straight into Garry Monk’s starting XI isn’t very feasible for Sergi Canos, he can be a good and constant option off the bench, and such depth is needed as tiring legs begin to set in during the 2nd half of the campaign.
Additionally, he would also provide the forwards with much-needed competition as he strives to break into the team. That will keep everyone on their toes and get the performance level high up, which would inadvertently reflect on the results.
Signing Sergi Canos might be a great move in the end. That possibility is very high.