Leeds United Opinion: Why the Whites should avoid signing Fabian Delph?

According to a report from The Sun, Leeds United are interested in signing Manchester City midfielder Fabian Delph this summer.

It is understood that Fabian Delph is likely to cost around £15million and that he’s searching for a new challenge away from the Etihad Stadium. The 29-year-old, who has just won back-to-back Premier League titles with Manchester City, is included in Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the Nations League.

As far as his position at City is concerned, Delph has fallen down the pecking order under boss Pep Guardiola this past season. The report claims the England international, who is in the final year of his contract, is wanted by a host of mid-table Premier League clubs.

Back to Leeds United—should Marcelo Bielsa spend around £15million to bring back Delph at Elland Road?

Absolutely not! Leeds just missed out on promotion this season, having fallen short of the automatic places and then losing to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals. It was a tough blow to take for the Whites, who once looked absolutely certain to make it to the Premier League.

However, Marcelo Bielsa has no time for moaning and groaning as he has a huge summer ahead of him. The 63-year-old tactician must now bring in new players that can straightaway make an impact in the Championship.

Even if Leeds United owner Andrea Radrizzani has hinted he is ready to invest heavily in the transfer window, Bielsa will need to recruit smartly to help the club get over the line next season.

Speaking about Delph, the midfielder recently helped Manchester City to the domestic treble. The 29-year-old is a tenacious customer in the middle of the park, known for his aggressive tackling and passing range. He can also slot in at left-back when required which makes him such a useful option for any manager to have in the squad.

But the England international has had some injury problems in the last few years and will turn 30 in November.

Delph should still have some years left in the tank, but at £15million, he won’t be a sound investment for Leeds. For that amount, Bielsa could get few young, exciting and Championship-proven talents to build his squad for next season.

Verdict

City’s asking price for their midfielder is too expensive for Leeds. Not to forget Delph’s wages would likely be significantly higher than what a Championship club could afford.

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Thus, the Whites should avoid signing Delph in the summer transfer window.