Leeds United end a 16-year absence from Premier League this year. After conquering Championship last season, the Whites will encounter with current champions Liverpool at the opening day of Premier League. We take a look at how they will fare in 2020-21.
The Summer Signings
Leeds have broken their transfer record to sign Rodrigo for £27 million from Valencia. The other major signing comes from the fellow Premier League club Wolves. Helder Costa has joined the incoming new side for £16 million. The attack looks good. Robin Koch, a centre-back, is signed from SC Frieberg at £13 million.
Key Man
Patrick Bamford. Yes, Rodrigo is the new striker in the town but one cannot just get over the fact that Patrick Bamford had an amazing breakthrough season last year. He managed 16 goals and 4 assists from 45 Championship games last season. He will be required to score goals in good numbers again this season. The manager will be hoping for another 15+ goals this season from the 27-year old forward.
Signing to Make
Ben White was the best defender for Leeds United, one of the reasons behind the club’s successful season. He has returned to his parent club Brighton and signed a contract extension after his loan deal expired. Even though Marcelo Bielsa is a huge fan of the young lad, the manager needs to look at other alternatives.
Currently, the club is not linked to many centre-backs and thus it seems they are pleased with what they have in the defence department. Though, the club is still linked to PSG’s Julian Draxler and Arsenal’s Emiliano Martinez. Draxler is entering into the last year of his contract but according to reports, he is not keen to move to Leeds United right now. He wants to continue in Paris and impress the boss.
Emiliano Martinez is a developing story. The player has impressed the fans and Mikel Arteta since the injury to Bernd Leno. Many still feel that Bernd Leno will be Arteta’s first-choice next season. Martinez feels that he has performed well and thus deserves more minutes on the field. It will be interesting if he decides to switch in search of more game-time.
Prediction – 16th
Leeds United will be aiming to survive. 40 points will be their target. They would not want to play one season in top-flight and go down again. We back them to cross that magical 40-point mark mostly because of an amazing manager in their dugout, Marcelo Bielsa. The 65-year old has had a significant impact on the club since his arrival. He is tactically smart and is not afraid of taking big decisions. Thus, we give them the 16th position.
