Why Leeds need to join reported race for Yorkshire-based £22m star – TBR View

Add as preferred source on Google

With Stuart Dallas, Rodrigo and Tyler Roberts all being used in the middle of the park by Marcelo Bielsa this season, it is clear that a new midfielder is needed at Leeds United – one that is a natural midfielder and not like the trio covering in that position.

That is not to say the three makeshift midfielders have not impressed in that role. Dallas is being used ahead of Mateusz Klich, while Roberts was excellent against Chelsea. Rodrigo is not 100% but there have been glimpses of quality.

But Leeds need a midfielder and knew that last summer – trying to sign Rodrigo De Paul but eventually being priced out of a move. Then, a medical saw Leeds opt against the signing of Michael Cuisance from Bayern Munich at the last minute.

So, Leeds need a midfielder – but Cuisance has been poor in France and De Paul is being linked with some of Europe’s biggest sides. They need to look elsewhere, but they needn’t look much further than Yorkshire – and Sheffield United.

The Blades look a certainty to go down, and Chris Wilder has departed. Their best players are likely to leave and 23-year-old Sander Berge is being linked with numerous Premier League sides. Eurosport claim Liverpool and Villa are interested.

Sheffield Star also state that Arsenal and Tottenham want Berge, who cost the Blades £22million (Eurosport). The 24-time Norway international made a tricky start to life in England, but began to show his best form – before an injury.

He suffered a hamstring problem in December 2020 and was forced to go under the knife. He is able to play as an eight or a defensive midfielder – perfect to provide cover for Kalvin Phillips, as well as being natural in Klich’s role.

What should tempt Leeds, though, is his athleticism and quality on the ball – while being 6ft 5in. That height makes him effective from set-pieces, an area where Leeds struggle. It remains to be seen how much he will cost, but he would be ideal for Leeds.