Why Leeds United should reignite interest in Glen Kamara
Back in November last year, a report from Football Insider (h/t Express) claimed that Leeds United had been credited with an interest in Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara. However, nothing came of those rumours in the winter market while the Whites opted to pursue different targets this summer following their promotion to the Premier League.
Profile
Born in Tampere, Finland, to parents of Sierra Leonean descent, Glen Kamara started his career in England in Southend United’s youth system before joining the Arsenal academy back in 2012. The midfielder made over 40 appearances for the Gunners’ U-23 side but featured only once at the senior level, spending time on loan at Southend United and Colchester United in the Football League.
The 24-year-old completed a move north of the border to Scottish top-flight outfit Dundee, where he established himself as a regular starter. Kamara was snapped up by Rangers for a thrifty fee in January 2019 and the Finnish international has since carved out a reputation for himself as one of the best defensive midfielders in the Scottish Premiership.
Kamara featured prominently during Rangers’ march to the last-16 of the UEFA Europa League last season and has continued to be a key player for Steven Gerrard’s side this term as well. The ex-Arsenal star has made 67 appearances for the Gers in all competitions, registering 2 goals and 3 assists in the process (at the time of writing).
Kamara would add more depth to Leeds’ midfield
Leeds United roped in some quality players like Rodrigo Moreno, Robin Koch, Diego Llorente, and Raphinha as a part of their summer spending spree after securing promotion to the top-flight for the first time in 16 years.
Indeed, those new arrivals are expected to address squad depth issues in several areas but it was always going to be difficult for Marcelo Bielsa to bolster all departments in a single window. There are still a few pressing concerns in some key areas of the pitch, with a lack of quality alternatives in midfield threatening to jeopardise Leeds’ prospects.
Kalvin Phillips has made an impressive transition to the Premier League after establishing himself as arguably the best defensive midfielder in the Championship over the past few years. The England international remains an indispensable cog in Bielsa’s system, but it is worth reminding that the gaffer struggled to find a suitable deputy for Phillips in the second-tier last term.
Adam Forshaw is currently one of the very few players at the club who tick the box as a specialist understudy to Phillips in the holding role, but he has yet to make a comeback from his long-term injury.
To put things into perspective, Leeds United should consider going back in the market for Glen Kamara when the transfer window reopens in January. The Finnish international has built a massive reputation for himself as a top-quality defensive midfielder north of the border while his performances in the Europa League suggest that he’s more than ready to make the step up to the Premier League.
Essentially a defensive midfielder by trade, Kamara also boasts the versatility to play in a box-to-box role. Hence, a potential deal for the 24-year-old would not only provide Bielsa with a quality alternative to Phillips at the base of midfield but also reduce the workload on Mateusz Klich.
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Verdict
Glen Kamara ticks the box as a quality midfielder capable of ensuring healthy competition for places in the middle of the park at Elland Road. Having spent his formative years at Arsenal, the Finnish star would have a good know-how of the English game, which should help him settle down quickly and make an instant impact.
Plus, Kamara still has his best years ahead of him, so Leeds making a move for the 24-year-old would certainly pay off handsomely for their long-term plans moving forward.
