Kadeem Harris must ditch Aston Villa and join Leeds instead
Kadeem Harris has gone from looking destined for the exit doors at Cardiff City in the summer to force his way into Neil Warnock’s side heading into the busy festive period. Injuries to Nathaniel Mendez-Laing and Junior Hoilett’s poor form has seen him get valuable Premier League minutes. The 25-year-old winger scored in Cardiff’s first win this season as the Bluebirds saw off a leaky Fulham as Harris’ goal put the game past the Londoners.
Harris made a substitute appearance in a 4-1 defeat against Liverpool. He was back on the bench as an unused substitute in the narrow 0-1 defeat against Leicester City.
The Wycombe Wanderers youth academy graduate was handed his first start of the season in the game against Brighton&Hove Albion. Harris put in an impressive display as Cardiff ran out 2-1 winners. His pace and dribbling ability caused the Brighton defence headaches. His good form has drawn the attention of a number of clubs.
According to The Sun, Championship rivals Aston Villa and Leeds United are keeping tabs on Kadeem Harris. With Neil Warnock’s side yet to open contract talks, the 25-year-old is set to run down his current deal at the Cardiff City Stadium. The Bluebirds could be forced to sanctioning a move for the winger during the winter transfer window. Alternatively, Harris can hold pre-contract agreement talks with interested sides in January.
Joining Marcelo Bielsa’s promotion-chasing Leeds seems like the best move for Harris. Leeds, at 30 points after 17 games, are three points off leaders Norwich City.
The Whites are playing attractive, aggressive and dynamic attacking football. This perfectly fits Kadeem Harris’ profile. Having been the driving force behind Cardiff’s latest win, Harris could light up the Championship. The second division’s defenders would struggle to contain him in an offensive-minded team.
Kadeem Harris could be the cog needed in Leeds’ engine room to see Bielsa’s side go all the way. The midfielder has previous Championship experience having played 57 games netting five times and providing six assists.
Harris is able to operate on either flank. In this Leeds side, he’d operate in from left side of a four-man midfield. Joining Mateusz Klich Adam Forshaw and Pablo Hernandez to support lone striker Kemar Roofe in a Bielsa’s preferred 4-1-4-1 formation
On the other hand, Aston Villa are under a mid-season transition after the sacking of manager Steve Bruce. Villa are stuck in midtable having put 26 points on the table after 17 games. This might offer some insight into why current Villa’s wide options like Yannick Bolasie, Anwar El Ghazi and Albert Adomah have struggled to impress consistently this season.
Given his contract situation, Kadeem Harris would represent a bargain buy for the Championship sides. The season is still long and either side’s fortunes could change.
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However, it’s safe to consider Elland Road the better destination. It remains to be seen whether Cardiff, a side currently struggling at the bottom of the Premier League table and favourites to drop at the end of the season, will sanction Harris’ move.