Why Leeds United should go all out to sign Marcus Edwards
According to Football Insider, as relayed by Yorkshire Evening Post, Leeds United are closely monitoring the development of ex-Tottenham Hotspur youngster Marcus Edwards.
The winger, who currently plays for Portuguese club Vitoria Guimaraes, is on the radars of Marcelo Bielsa’s Whites. But a move is unlikely to materialise until the summer. (h/t Yorkshire Evening Post)
Profile
Born in London, Edwards started out at his youth career at the academy of Tottenham Hotspur in 2007. The versatile attacker was held in the highest regards within the club, with former Spurs manager Mauricio Pochettino even comparing him to Lionel Messi.
However, Edwards could never make the grade at his boyhood club. After disappointing loan spells at Norwich City and Dutch side Excelsior, the 22-year-old left the north London giants on a permanent transfer last year, joining Vitoria Guimaraes.
Since joining the Portuguese outfit, the 22-year-old has rediscovered his form, racking up 10 goals and 11 assists from 46 appearances so far.
Edwards represented the England national team at every level starting from the Under-16s to the Under-20s. However, he is yet to earn a call-up for the senior team.
Edwards can bolster Leeds’ attacking options
Leeds United ended their 16-year wait to return to the Premier League this season. Marcelo Bielsa’s side have been one of the most exciting teams in the league since returning, but have been at the receiving end of some bad results of late.
Leeds’ attack has performed well so far this season, with Patrick Bamford impressing heavily. The likes of Jack Harrison and new signing Raphinha have also done well.
However, there is a distinct lack of quality depth in multiple areas in the final third, with the likes of Tyler Roberts, Ian Poveda not performing adequately. In addition, Pablo Hernandez is not getting any younger and will soon need to be phased out of the first-team.
All things considered, at least another attacking addition needs to be made by the Whites at the earliest possible. And Edwards would be a viable option for the club to look at.
A versatile operator, Edwards has been largely used as a right-winger in Portugal. But he can play as an attacking midfielder through the middle or on the other flank, while he has also slotted in as a centre-forward in the past. (h/t Transfermarkt)
This sort of versatility would bolster the dynamics for Leeds as Bielsa can use the 22-year-old as cover for multiple positions. Considering his age, the ex-Tottenham ace has plenty of room for improvement and can thrive under the guidance of a manager like Bielsa.
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Verdict
Leeds need to add more depth and quality to their attacking ranks, with Hernandez not getting any younger and Tyler Roberts struggling to make an impression. And adding Edwards, who has been in good form over the past year, would be a smart move.
His versatility and knowledge of English football would make him an asset for Leeds.
