Leeds Transfer News: Whites at front of queue for Bundesliga starlet

Leeds United has been named as a potential destination for an out-of-favour Bundesliga youngster.

The Whites are hoping to survive in the Premier League following last season’s promotion, and are currently in a decent position, sitting eight points clear of the drop after 21 games.

Despite not being relegation favourites, Leeds will be wise not to take their position for granted, and a mid-season recruitment could yet boost their chances of a second successive top-flight campaign.

Investment will undoubtedly be integral if they are to prolong their current Premier League stint beyond a couple of seasons, and recent reports have suggested they could have the opportunity to make an astute long-term signing to help achieve that.

According to Italian outlet Quotidiano Sportivo (via Sport Witness), Leeds could be in for RB Leipzig defender El Chadaille Bitshiabu, who has also piqued the interest of fellow strugglers West Ham United.

Other interested clubs include Serie A outfit Bologna, as well as Premier League rivals Bournemouth, Ligue 1 pair Lyon and Monaco, and Germany’s Bayer Leverkusen.

It is believed that Bitshiabu’s lack of minutes is growing the amount of interest in his services, though it appears as though Leeds and West Ham are in the driving seat.

One caveat to this would be that a summer move is thought to be more likely – presumably for when Premier League status for next season has been secured.

And with the Hammers in danger of being cast adrift in the relegation battle after losing a six-pointer against Nottingham Forest earlier this month, Leeds would seem the likelier destination of the two.

That said, one thing that could accelerate the Frenchman’s departure is if Leipzig bring in another defender, and they have been linked with Fiorentina’s Marin Pongracic this month.

Therefore, while Leeds appear to have the resources to win this transfer battle, they could be forced into deciding whether to gamble on the youngster if he is to leave Leipzig in the remaining weeks of the window.

At 6’5″, Bitshiabu would be a towering presence in the Leeds backline, becoming their tallest centre-back ahead of Joe Rodon.

If they take the plunge, Leeds should expect to welcome an intelligent defender with a knack for blocks and clearances – placing in the 97th and 96th percentiles respectively in those areas during last year’s German Bundesliga (as per FBref).

This would suggest that game time could help improve his qualities further, and handing Bitshiabu this opportunity before the January window passes could well be worth a shot.

Graduated in Sport Journalism (BA) with first-class honours from the University of Brighton and has since had bylines in The Times, sports business publication SportsPro, Football FanCast and The Gooner fanzine.