Phil Hay insists he wouldn’t be surprised if Marcelo Bielsa sticks with his current options at centre-back, highlighting how the Leeds United boss is a big fan of Brighton loanee Ben White.
Leeds have lost a significant figure in Pontus Jansson this summer, with the Swedish international heading across the Championship to link up with Brentford earlier in the month.
Jansson was the leading centre-back alongside captain Liam Cooper last season, with Gaetano Berardi attacking as cover.
White has signed on a season-long loan from Brighton, leaving Leeds with three options again.
Many fans wants to see Bielsa move to sign a senior centre-back to compete for the starting XI, but Hay is suggesting it wouldn’t be a surprise for the 64-year-old to stick with what he’s got as he’s a big fan of White.
White, 21, made over 50 appearances during a loan spell with Newport County during the 2017/18 campaign, as well as 16 outings for Peterborough last season. However, that makes up the bulk of his senior experience, with White's only Brighton outings coming in the League Cup.
Leeds’ season gets underway in under two weeks when they travel to Ashton Gate to face Bristol City on August 4th.
The Verdict
Things have gone unbelievably quiet at Leeds since Helder Costa arrived and it isn’t really a surprise to learn that another centre-back doesn’t appear to be on the radar right now.
White is raw and although he’s got some great potential, a 46-game Championship season and a promotion push is a lot to ask for such a young man.
Jansson needs replacing in the eyes of many, including myself, but Bielsa knows his squad and after testing the waters in the Championship last year, you’ve got to trust his judgement.
Thoughts? Let us know!