Leeds’ Creative Crisis: Why a Playmaker Is Non-Negotiable This Summer
Leeds United’s midfield sputtered for large stretches of last season, and it’s clear new creative talent must arrive to turn possession into moments of magic. Illan Meslier’s form between the posts was questioned, while Brenden Aaronson struggled to fully unlock the No.10 role. Manager Daniel Farke made a public plea for a high-quality playmaker in the summer window, but no deal ever materialised.
Options like Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell, Jayden Bogle and Junior Firpo provided flashes of ingenuity, yet none consistently delivered the cutting edge Leeds desperately need. Manor Solomon impressed on loan, but he returns to parent clubs this summer, leaving a vacuum in attacking flair. The solution could lie in the attacking midfield or wide areas, and it’s time for Leeds to reignite interest in a familiar target.
Why Leeds Should Revive a Move for Brighton’s Julio Enciso
Reports suggest Leeds had eyes on Julio Enciso before he joined Ipswich Town, and it’s a decision they may come to rue. The 21-year-old Paraguayan struggled for minutes at Brighton, but his loan spell at Ipswich has highlighted his majestic ball-striking and line-breaking dribbles. In my view, Leeds can swoop in with a low-risk, high-reward bid for a player entering the final year of his contract.
Enciso’s versatility is a coach’s dream: he can operate as an inverted winger or floating No.10, drifting into pockets between midfield and attack. His willingness to shoot from distance provides a dimension Leeds currently lack, and his quick feet and sharp vision could unlock stubborn defences. For a club fighting to stay afloat, signing him on an affordable deal could pay dividends both immediately and long term.
Even if Enciso initially turned down Leeds for Ipswich last year, circumstances have changed. With Fabian Hurzler’s system at Brighton offering limited opportunities, the teenager’s hunger for minutes could make Elland Road an attractive destination. This could be the perfect moment for Leeds to pounce and secure a bargain playmaker packed with untapped potential.
Could Enciso Replace Georginio Rutter’s Creative Spark?
Georginio Rutter’s departure leaves a glaring hole in Leeds’ creativity. No current squad member blends flair and precision passing quite like he did, often unlocking tight defences and turning the tide in grinding contests. Leeds now need someone who can mastermind attacks, especially against low-block teams where a moment of individual brilliance can prove decisive.
Enciso ticks that box. His long-range strike against Everton demonstrated he isn’t afraid to seize the moment, and his ability to drift into half-spaces ensures he’s always a threat between the lines. Leeds struggled to carve out clear openings last season, and adding those unpredictable moments of brilliance could transform results.
While no player is an instant panacea, Enciso’s knack for unlocking stubborn defences and penchant for spectacular goals make him an ideal candidate. If Leeds are serious about bolstering their attacking arsenal and avoiding another relegation scrap, reviving interest in the young Paraguayan might be their smartest move yet.
