Leeds fans are desperate for some more defensive reinforcements before the window closes, and they could do a lot worse than signing free agent Glen Johnson.
What’s the word?
“I can’t give you a positive answer and I can’t give you a negative one”, was Marcelo Bielsa’s coy response when asked about transfers on Wednesday.
This comes after a report earlier this month claimed Leeds still want to add some loan signings before the window closes.
The report claimed centre back and centre midfielder are the top priorities, but Johnson’s versatility would make him a useful player to have in the squad, especially if a deal for a centre back doesn’t happen.
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Why Johnson?
If Bielsa and Leeds do not manage to sign a centre back, then Luke Ayling will almost certainly spend more time in the middle this season, as he did in the 2-2 draw at Swansea last week.
Liam Cooper missed the last couple of games with a hamstring problem, and Pontus Jansson has a nasty habit of picking up little nagging injuries throughout the season, so it does seem like only a matter of time before we see the Ayling and Berardi pairing again.
If this does happen, it would be a huge risk to rely on young Jamie Shackleton to fill in at right back for large periods of time. The youngster has done an adequate job so far, but it is not his natural position, and the versatile Johnson would allow Bielsa to move Shackleton into midfield, where the squad isn’t exactly loaded with depth either.
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Johnson is not the player he was at Chelsea or Liverpool, and would have to work hard to prove he is worthy of playing time at Elland Road. Still, the 34 year-old can play on either flank or even in the middle, both as part of a back four or a back three.
This versatility could be extremely useful as the injuries stack up later on in the season, and allow Shackleton to develop in midfield as well.
So, Leeds fans, do you think Johnson on a free signing would be tidy business? Or is he too far gone? Let us know your thoughts by voting in the poll below…
