Leeds United Opinion: Why Saeid Ezatolahi could be a top signing for Leeds

According to reports from Tasnim News Agency, Leeds United have been linked with a move to sign Saeid Ezatolahi from Russian side FC Rostov.

The Iranian midfielder, 22, put in a couple of solid displays for Reading last season before suffering a groin injury that kept him out for the rest of the season. He is out of contract at Rostov this summer and Leeds United can sign him up on a free transfer.

Leeds looked set for promotion to the Premier League but ultimately missed out to Derby County in the play-off semi-finals. The Whites did well to retain head coach Marcelo Bielsa, who will be looking to significantly strengthen his squad over the summer. He will be hoping to keep hold of the core of his team that reached the play-off semi-finals, but additions really do need to be made if the Yorkshire giants are to get promoted next season.

Kalvin Phillips is currently facing an uncertain future at Elland Road, with the midfielder heavily linked with a move to newly-promoted Aston Villa. Phillips is one of the best midfielders in the Championship and was superb for Leeds during the 2018-19 campaign. He was arguably the most important player in Bielsa’s system, with his versatility to play in midfield and defence added more value to his name.

And while the Whites will be desperate to keep hold of Phillips this summer, it will be tough for the midfielder to resist interest from Aston Villa or any other Premier League clubs if it comes his way. If Bielsa loses his midfield dynamo then his midfield would be significantly weaker, leaving space for a new signing to claim.

That being said, Leeds must quickly swoop in for Saeid Ezatolahi. The Iranian was unlucky with a groin problem last season but in the four games he played for Reading, he looked like a solid player in the Championship. Standing at 6ft 3in, the 22-year-old is a physically dominant and powerful defensive midfielder with excellent tackling and interception skills.

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Ezatolahi is a decent passer of the ball, protects the backline well and is also a strong vocal presence, which provides reassurance to the players around him. The Iran international could be an important player in implementing Bielsa’s style of play next season if Phillips leaves Elland Road.

Verdict

Bielsa will definitely need three to four new signings this summer to bolster his squad. And one of the players could be Ezatolahi, and with his contract expiring this summer, he would be a cost-effective addition to the Whites squad.