Having well and truly established themselves in the Premier League, Leeds United intend to make a big splash this summer. Major signings are being targeted across the board, with numerous players expected to arrive in the summer. Though the Whites have impressed this year, various injuries have derailed consistency and killed off the hope of pushing for a European spot. However, this summer is one that will be used to help add to the squad, bringing up the level of the bench to the first-team standard.
One name being heavily linked with Leeds is that of Noa Lang. The Dutch winger is part of the Ajax system, and is highly rated by the Amsterdam club. However, with a loan move this year having proved outstanding for his development, it is unlikely that the Dutchman will want to go back to sitting on the bench for Ajax. As such, he could be on the move on in the summer – and Leeds are currently seen as potential front runners.
Though the worry for Leeds fans might be based around what happens with star summer signing Raphinha. The Brazilian has been heavily linked with a move out of the Yorkshire city, with links to both Liverpool and Manchester United. Would Lang offer Leeds a similar level of quality compared to what they have with the in-form Brazilian?
It is doubtful. However, he would help to add to the bench depth – if they can keep Raphinha, then a move for the Dutchman might make more sense. As a full-time replacement for a player who has been among the most exciting in the league, though? That would be more of a stretch.
Who is Noa Lang?
With Lang, Leeds would be getting a tricky, pacey, attacking wide player who can also get into the opposition box. he’s shown an outstanding level of production while on loan at Club Brugge. The winger has scored a whopping sixteen goals, whilst setting up another ten. This shows a level of production that would be most welcome in the Leeds team. He’s direct, aggressive, and tricky.
The confusing part, though, stems from what happens next. Brugge have the option to make the deal permanent, and might look to strike that deal and then sell Lang on to Leeds. With a fee of around £20m quoted as the asking price, though, Leeds might need to do a bit of creative thinking to pay that fee.
Having already made his name in a strong European league, Lang is further backed up with his Ajax pedigree. A consistently impressive season for a big club like Brugge shows a player who can handle pressure. Meanwhile, his exceptional attacking play would help to add another confident and creative talent who Leeds could build their attack around.
Some fans might worry that Lang is the replacement for the Brazilian currently terrifying teams on the wing. However, for now, Lang looks to be part of the squad as opposed to the replacement for any key first-team pick.