Michael Bridges identifies two signings Leeds need

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Michael Bridges has told Optus Sport that he wants Leeds United to make two more signings this summer – after six additions already. While three of those have been brought in at Under-23 level, Leeds have spent £30million on their senior side. Bridges, though, wants two more arrivals at Leeds.

Jack Harrison has finally joined Leeds for a fee of £15million from Manchester City – after three seasons on loan. He is not the only new addition on the left flank – with Junior Firpo arriving from Barcelona for £13million. Kristoffer Klaesson, a back-up goalkeeper, has cost £1.6million.

At Under-23 level, Lewis Bate has come in from Chelsea – while Sean McGurk and Amari Miller have signed on from Wigan and Birmingham. Leeds remain in the market for a midfielder and perhaps another addition – but Leeds-supporting pundit Bridges wants a defender and a number nine.

“I’d like to see one more recruit up top, like a real No.9 goal scorer,” Bridges said. “They don’t come cheap, and obviously Leeds don’t want to get into the situation they were [in] when I was there, when they were just spending money that was ridiculous. I’d like to see one more in the defence [too].”

Do Leeds need a striker and a defender – amid Bridges claim?

Leeds have two strikers in Patrick Bamford and Rodrigo, and Joe Gelhardt shining in the 23’s. Tyler Roberts is also naturally a striker. While Roberts and Rodrigo have been used in the 10 role, they are much more naturally strikers. It makes sense, then, to sign a 10 instead of a striker.

Bamford would remain first choice regardless of who they sign. In terms of a defender, Leeds already have four excellent centre-backs battling for two positions in Liam Cooper, Diego Llorente, Robin Koch and Pascal Struijk. But they lack cover at full-back ahead of the new season.

Left-backs Gjanni Alioski and Leif Davis have left and while Firpo has come in – Leeds could do with cover. Stuart Dallas is likely to offer that cover, but is better in midfield. Luke Ayling lacks recognised cover but Jamie Shackleton and Cody Drameh are likely to come in during 2021-22.