Leeds United could be set to complete another signing, as they close in on one for the future…
What’s the latest?
At least that is the assumption of the Yorkshire Evening Post, who yesterday all but confirmed that a deal was in place for the Whites to sign Diogo Monteiro.
The suggestion is that the youngster should get his big move to Elland Road once he turns 18, and as such is expected to complete the transfer around the 28th of January.
This would mark their third signing of the month, with one eye on replacing the current crop of defenders should they begin to decline.
He’s an ideal Koch heir
Already boasting a distinctly youthful team, it seems Jesse Marsch is still not content with having the second-lowest average age of a starting XI in the league.
He aims to further secure the future of his club with incredible talent, and as such has clearly instructed Victor Orta to complete this mission.
Having returned with Monteiro as the answer, and with the relative ease they seem to have acquired him, it marks a huge coup for the Yorkshire outfit who are admittedly a little thin when it comes to defensive reinforcements.
Even those that do feature are guilty of being one of the worst teams in the league at the back, having conceded 33 goals in just 19 games. Only four teams boast a worse record than this.
At the heart of that contingent is Robin Koch, who seems to be growing into his role despite a shaky start to life at the club.
Initially brought in under former manager Marcelo Bielsa, he featured heavily in the squad that nearly succumbed to relegation last season.
Featuring 20 times in the Premier League, he was handed a 6.51 average rating, indicative that the 26-year-old certainly can struggle in the league at times.
Having now bumped that up to a 6.71 this year, things are looking up for his future at the club, and he could bestow that wisdom of overcoming such adversity onto Monteiro. This would hopefully allow the 17-year-old to avoid a potential teething period like the one Koch endured, and see that when he is called upon he is ready to instantly shine for Leeds.
The Portugal youth international is already starring in the top league in Switzerland for FC Servette, where he has showcased his classy demeanour on the ball that outlines him as a fine modern defender.
Earning a 6.70 rating from his three games, he is averaging an 83% pass accuracy, spreading 2.3 completed long balls per 90 as well as 10.3 accurate balls in the opposition’s half, via Sofascore.
His creativity often gives way to his defending, which Koch could again look to teach him ways to excel at both.
Despite this, he remains the “beast in the making” that football scout Ron Dor once dubbed him, one that could grow into a sensational defender. He may, therefore, be the perfect foil to Koch should his performances ever dwindle like last campaign.
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