Leeds United Face Defensive Crisis: Free Agent Emerges as Vital Fix
Leeds United’s central defence has been a recurring headache this season, with injuries to Pascal Struijk exposing a worrying lack of depth. As soon as Struijk went down, Ethan Ampadu was drafted in alongside Joe Rodon, leaving Marcelo Bielsa’s side vulnerable in midfield. The ripple effects of that switch were clear: Leeds lost their customary steel and mobility in the engine room.
Adding insult to injury, Ao Tanaka, Joe Rothwell and Ilia Gruev have valiantly filled the midfield void but none possess Ampadu’s robust blend of aggression and technical skill. In the Championship that patchwork may just about survive, but in the top flight, every mistake is ruthlessly punished. Leeds simply cannot afford to be guessing who will man the back line each week.
Enter the free-agent market, where one centre-back’s availability could change the Whites’ fortunes. With budget constraints biting, signing an experienced defender on a free transfer might be Leeds’ smartest move yet—if Daniel Farke can convince him to don the white shirt.
Jordan Torunarigha Opts Against Gent Renewal, Opens Door to Premier League Move
Leeds’ interest in Jordan Torunarigha is back under the spotlight after reports confirmed the 26-year-old centre-back has declined a new deal at Gent. The Nigerian international, who impressed in Belgium’s Jupiler League, had been expected to extend his stay, but now walks free at season’s end.
This development reignites Leeds’ dormant bid from last summer—when they offered £2.5m only to see Gent hold firm. With no transfer fee required, Farke and his recruitment team can potentially agree terms that fit within Leeds United’s financial framework. It’s a no-brainer if the Whites want an immediate defensive injection without breaking the bank.
However, competition is fierce. Marseille and other European suitors are sniffing around, aware that Torunarigha offers a rare blend of athleticism and experience. Leeds must act quickly if they are to turn interest into a done deal before rival clubs swoop in.
Torunarigha Touted as World-Class Option: Can Leeds Land the Gem for Nothing?
Torunarigha’s résumé speaks volumes: pace, aerial prowess, and two-footed comfort on the ball. A former youth international for Germany, he’s built a reputation at Gent that suggests he could transition seamlessly into a top European league. His athletic profile and leadership qualities are exactly what Leeds have been missing.
Gift Orban, Torunarigha’s ex-teammate at Gent and now a rising star in Ligue 1, once hailed him as “one of the best defenders” he’s played with. While that might be hyperbole, it’s clear Torunarigha commands respect in the dressing room and on the pitch. That intangible leadership could prove priceless for a young Leeds side still finding its feet.
Realistically, Leeds should view this as a low-risk, high-reward opportunity. If Torunarigha can replicate even half of his Belgian form in West Yorkshire, Farke’s back line will look drastically different. Landing such a profile on a free transfer would go down as one of the smartest coups in recent Championship-to-Premier League transitions. Now it’s over to Leeds to make it happen.
