Kevin Campbell has backed Leeds United to dip into the transfer market to solve their squad issues, suggesting they sign someone like Reading’s John Swift.
Leeds United have dived deep into an injury crisis that could have unprecedented consequences to their short term future. In recent weeks, things had seemed positive as some of their injured stars were making good recovery progress. In the last two weeks, those fortunes have reversed as several other first-team stars have taken their place in the treatment room.
Marcelo Bielsa now faces a tough challenge to keep his squad fit ahead of the busy festive schedule. Leeds have key fixtures on the horizon, starting with Arsenal at the weekend, while they also play Liverpool, Aston Villa and fellow strugglers Burnley all before 3rd January.
Kalvin Phillips will be out for at least two months following surgery to address a hamstring problem. A tweet from Football London’s Chris Wheatley revealed the extent of their injury problems, which has left Bielsa’s squad down to bare bones.
There have been suggestions that Bielsa might urge the club to dip into the transfer market to offset these problems. They are already getting linked with several players for different positions, although the manager might bring a midfielder. One of the early names has been Aaron Ramsey of Juventus, although it may seem a bit too ambitious given their position on the table.
Leeds have just 11 senior players available, including 2 goalkeepers, for their match against Arsenal on Saturday #AFC https://t.co/jqj479HJO7
— Chris Wheatley (@ChrisWheatley_) December 16, 2021
Championship star and Reading midfielder John Swift is one hopeful name linked with a move. Bielsa reportedly likes the attributes of this player, and there are suggestions the manager might ask the club to sign the 26-year-old.
Kevin Campbell certain approves of the idea of bringing Swift to Elland Road in January to solve their midfield issues. He told Football Insider that no matter who Leeds signs, those players need to be ready from the start and urged Bielsa to be of proven quality, like the Reading star.
Campbell said, “January is going to be so important for Leeds. They need to recruit wisely. Swift is having an amazing season at Reading. I think he could be one of two or three players who come in to bolster that squad. I know good youngsters are coming through, but this is the Premier League. You need proven quality—the players coming in need to be ready to fight. It is a big month for Leeds coming up.”
As things stand, Leeds have genuine problems ahead, and the busy fixture list could see more players suffer new issues. If that happens, they might be exposed and forced to field youngsters, which will not guarantee the results they need and drag them closer to the relegation zone.