Leeds United transfer news: Pundit predicts 'big names' to arrive, Whites player needs to 'prove' himself to Bielsa

Marcelo Bielsa has made it clear that he does not intend to bolster his squad between now and the end of the transfer window, and given the success he has brought to Elland Road during his tenure in Yorkshire, the majority of those associated with the club appear to be content to trust in his judgement.

With that in mind, former Whites stopper Paul Robinson has decided to look ahead to the summer transfer window – and he’s expecting big things.

Speaking to MOT Leeds News, the ex-England international said: “I think regardless of whether new investment came in there would have been some big names arriving at Leeds this summer. The money helps, though.

“I think if Leeds can stay in the Premier League this season, and it certainly looks like we will, it will be a busy summer for the club.”

In particular, Robinson believes that the Whites need more cover in the centre of midfield.

He said: “Leeds have been conceding far too many goals and also conceding far too many chances.

“In the defensive midfield position, they need cover for Kalvin Phillips. It’s been highlighted already and we’re only halfway through the season. It’s shown the squad is thin, it’s not strong.

“The Leeds first XI is strong, the next two or three are strong, but go beyond that and the squad is not strong enough for next season.”

It's hard to argue with him either. Leeds have lost three of the four matches that Phillips hasn’t played in this season in the Premier League, conceding a total of nine goals across those matches.

Of course, long-term absentee Adam Forshaw is expected to return to the fold at some point, but according to another ex-Leeds keeper, a spot in Marcelo Bielsa’s plans is by no means a foregone conclusion for the midfielder.

Speaking to The Boot Room, Nigel Martyn said: “There’s enough players in his position at the moment. It is whether he can force his way back in in the U23’s or in training. If he gets an opportunity, he has to take it. You can’t ever close the door on someone like that.

“It is down to him to show he is worth keeping. The manager will have a view on him already – but there is an opportunity between now and the end of the season. If Adam is keen on staying, he has to prove he should be in that team.”

Forshaw hasn’t featured for the Whites since September 2019, and has been sidelined with a hip injury ever since.

Speaking earlier in the week, Bielsa admitted that the 29-year-old still has a little way to go in his rehabilitation, but seemed to imply that a comeback could be on the cards in the relatively near future.

Whether Forshaw slots immediately back into the manager’s plans remains to be seen, but he was a key component of Leeds’ starting XI during Bielsa’s first year in England, featuring 30 times in the Championship, and it would be entirely in-keeping with the Argentine’s philosophy and character to give him a chance to prove himself.

We’ve gathered the rest of today’s Premier League transfer speculation below: