Leeds United have confirmed that left-back Laurens De Bock has joined K. V. Oostende on loan for the rest of the season.

The 25-year-old only arrived at Elland Road in January, for around £1.5m, and came with a decent reputation having won caps for Belgium at U21 level, whilst he also helped Club Brugge to a title win in 2016.

However, things didn't go to plan for the full-back with the Whites and he only managed to make seven appearances for the club as he seriously struggled at times.

Youngster Tom Pearce finished the season as the preferred choice for Paul Heckingbottom, whilst Barry Douglas has arrived this summer too, meaning De Bock is further down the pecking order.

Therefore, a departure seemed inevitable and Leeds confirmed on their website that the player has returned to Belgian football with Oostende.

Having signed a four-and-a-half year deal when he joined at the start of the year, it means Leeds will be presented with a similar problem regarding De Bock in 12 months time.

The Verdict

Obviously Leeds would've preferred to sell De Bock permanently, but at least they have managed to reduce the wage bill with his departure.

He was a poor signing, one of many in the past 18 months, and he highlights how their recruitment needed to improve seriously this summer, which it appears to have done.

Now, the club will be hoping he excels on this loan spell back in a league he knows well, so they can move him on permanently without much fuss next year.

Thoughts, Leeds fans? Let us know in the comments below.

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