Leeds United have reportedly thrown their name into the hat for Derby County skipper Tom Lawrence ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.
According to TEAMtalk, Premier League side Leeds United have shown interest in securing the services of Derby County captain Tom Lawrence in the upcoming summer transfer window.
The 28-year-old Welsh international was one of the shining lights in what was a frustrating season for the Rams. The Derby skipper is out of contract in the summer and could be afforded an opportunity to make the move to Elland Road.
As things stand, the Rams are in no position to open contract negotiations with Lawrence given their current predicament. This could pave the way for Leeds to swoop in and land their man. A move to Elland Road will allow the 28-year-old to test his talents in the Premier League as opposed to League One.
Primarily a left-winger, the Welshman is also capable of doing a job on the other flank. The fact that Leeds are targeting a wide-man makes sense given that Raphinha has been linked with a move away this summer. The Brazilian has been Leeds’s standout player this season and could be on the move soon.
However, despite Lawrence’s attributes, he is miles behind Raphinha in terms of ability. Trusting him to bridge the difference in quality would be a risky move indeed. Given that Leeds staved off relegation by a whisker, it might not be the best move to potentially compromise on replacing key players with less capable ones.
Lawrence scored 11 goals and provided five assists in 39 appearances for Derby this season. While the numbers are not bad, he did not do justice to the trust put in him by Wayne Rooney. While Jesse Marsch is a better manager, it is questionable as to how much he can coax out of the 28-year-old.
Should Leeds decide to push forward, they will have to beat off competition from several other clubs. Fellow Premier League side Southampton and the newly promoted duo of Bournemouth and Fulham are also keen signing on the Welsh international. With several Turkish teams also in the fray, Lawrence is not short of options.
A player who thrives on the counter, Lawrence is a good dribbler of the ball and can also put in mean crosses. The 28-year-old also cuts in at times and can do a job as an inside forward. The former Manchester United youth star has made just four Premier League appearances in his career. While he is a better player today, Leeds could do with a better alternative.
