Leeds United may have to bring in a full-back or two this summer with doubts continuing to arise over the future of both Junior Firpo and Sam Byram, who are out of contract this summer.
Firpo is close to rejoining boyhood club Betis, despite Largie Ramazani urging him to stay and Firpo then telling Paraag Marathe to put a contract on the table. Byram is also desperate to remain at Elland Road.
But with the retained list set to be announced soon and reports saying both Firpo and Byram will leave Leeds, it leaves Danel Farke with just two options at full-back and in Isaac Schmidt, he’s not convinced.
Leeds need full-backs and one player that has emerged on the Elland Road radar is West Ham defender Vladimir Coufal. The Czech Republic international is out of contract and we spoke to a Hammers expert.
West Ham expert says Leeds move ‘fantastic’ for Vladimir Coufal
Graeme Bailey has told LeedsUnited.News that Coufal’s agent has been in talks with Leeds and the 32-year-old is now under consideration. LeedsUnited.News spoke to Hammers News writer Damien Lucas.
He told us that a move to Leeds would be “fantastic”: “If I was Coufal, absolutely, Leeds would be a fantastic move. Massive club, fans similar to West Ham’s. He would thrive in that Elland Road atmosphere.
“The move makes perfect sense in so many ways with his experience and Leeds looking to make sure they stay up. Coufal is an absolute warrior of a player and an excellent all-round full-back,” Lucas continued.
“An experienced, international quality defender but gets forward and has a really good assist record. He can play at LB and CB (in a 3) when needed as well, making him a really valuable player in the squad.”
Coufal or Jayden Bogle? West Ham expert chooses which is best
If Coufal does end up at Elland Road, he will have to compete with Jayden Bogle at right-back. Bogle has become a fan favourite at Leeds after his stunning performances from an attacking sense in 24-25.
Lucas though, believes Coufal is better: “Coufal will be a level above Bogle most definitely in terms of his quality. He never gives the ball away, makes the right decisions more often than not in every situation.
Coufal and Bogle’s Premier League numbers:
“Bogle may have a touch more pace but Coufal will be a better all-round full-back without any doubt. You won’t find a single West Ham fan with a bad word to say about Vladi. He leaves as a cult hero,” he added.
“He’ll be a massive fan favourite if Leeds sign him and West Ham fans would wish him nothing but the best,” Lucas summarised, which will clearly get Leeds fans excited if the West Ham man does join Leeds.
Certainly, a move for Coufal saves Leeds some cash while solving the lack of competition and cover on the right if Byram goes – while being able to operate on the left. On a free, Leeds can spend elsewhere.
