Leeds United have received a boost in their pursuit of a new left-back after Leicester City chose to pull themselves out of the running for the player in question, this summer.
Leeds have needed a left-back for some time. Junior Firpo is currently first choice and while he impressed during the second half of the season, the left-back is hardly the long-term answer over at Elland Road.
Firpo is renowned for being injury prone, rash in defence and given that The 49ers need to sell players this summer, his future could be under the microscope as well. It means Leeds need another left-back.
Reports emerged recently that Leeds and Leicester were both after the same player, one that has been impressing over in The Netherlands with Eredivisie side PEC Zwolle despite winning Ireland U21 caps.
Now, Leeds have received a boost according to reports from The Netherlands in pursuit of a “versatile” star.
Leeds receive boost in race to sign Anselmo Garcia MacNulty
The two-time Ireland Under-21 ace has enjoyed a wonderful season in the Eredivisie, having joined Zwolle from Wolfsburg last summer. He’s clocked up 32 outings, having a hand in four goals from the left flank.
A new report from Voetbal International reiterates that Leeds are still interested in signing MacNulty in the coming weeks, but that Leicester have made a decision on the Irishman after winning promotion.
The Foxes have chosen to shelve their interest in the left-back, as they feel they can bring in a bigger calibre and quality of player after earning a place in the Premier League and winning The Championship.
Leeds need a left-back ever after keeping Sam Byram
It came as a little bit of a surprise that Leeds had chosen to keep Byram and offer the versatile ace a new deal until the summer of 2025. Byram has been a savvy addition, but he has shown he is injury prone.
Despite that, Byram has clocked up 37 appearances for Leeds during 2023-24. Enough to convince The Whites to hand him a new deal and he will offer cover on both sides of the defence next season.
That should not deter Leeds from a new left-back and a long-term solution to the issue that’s remained largely since the exit of Charlie Taylor in 2017. MacNulty has the age and potential to be the answer.