The largely unknown Thomas Christiansen will face the hard task of winning over the Leeds United supporters next season, as the 44-year old aims to build on the foundations left behind by Garry Monk, who enjoyed a successful 12-months at Elland Road.
Leeds’ improved campaign last year was aided by the goals for Chris Wood, but the partnership of Kyle Bartley and Pontus Jansson was just as important to the club.
Jansson is expected to arrive at Elland Road on a permanent deal next month, but it is looking unlikely that Bartley will return to West Yorkshire, having returned to his parent-club, Swansea City.
Christiansen must replace Bartley this summer, and could have to spend a large chunk of his transfer budget to find a capable replacement with Championship experience.
A player Leeds could turn to is Cardiff City’s Sean Morrison, who appears to already be on Sheffield Wednesday’s radar this summer, after reports suggested the Owls had a £3m bid rejected.
Morrison would be the perfect partner alongside Jansson in the heart of Leeds’ defence next season, with the 26-year old sharing similar qualities to Bartley.
The Cardiff captain has excellent leadership qualities, and showed last season just how impressive he can be in the Championship, featuring in all but two of the Bluebirds’ league fixtures and playing a significant role in the club’s revival in 2017.
Bartley bagged six goals last season for Leeds, and although Morrison only scored four for Cardiff, he showed the Whites just how dangerous he can be in the opposition area, when scoring in the Bluebirds’ 2-0 victory at Elland Road in February.
His goalscoring threat is not why Leeds should pursue a deal for Morrison, they simply need someone of his defensive quality to replace Bartley next season.
If Christiansen is to help Leeds compete for promotion again next season, his squad must continue to have a solid defensive unit in place. Partnering Jansson alongside Morrison, could give the Whites a real chance of ending their wait for a Premier League return.