Leeds United can build on their astute transfer activity by dipping back into the free agent market for John Stones. The club got their summer off to a flying start with a shrewd swoop for Harry Wilson, demonstrating that headline signings don't always come with an eye-watering price tag.
Farke's squad needs after Struijk sale
Daniel Farke is keen to bolster his Leeds squad and improve upon last season's 14th-place finish. Club chairman Paraag Marathe recently spoke of Leeds chasing "a few moonshots" during the summer window. Wilson certainly ticks that box, off the back of his outstanding campaign at Fulham. As does Leeds' pursuit of Julian Brandt following the Germany international's departure from Borussia Dortmund upon the expiry of his contract.
This calculated approach frees up Farke's side to ramp up their interest in pricier targets, such as Southampton midfielder Shea Charles. However, the recent sale of Pascal Struijk to Brighton has handed the manager a fresh problem at the back. The Dutch centre-back was sold for an initial £18million after entering the final year of his deal. LeedsLive reported that the club were required to complete the transfer before the end of June to comply with this year's Profit and Sustainability Rules (PSR), further underlining the need to seek value in the transfer market.
John Stones as an immediate fix
John Stones is a six-time Premier League champion and would bring priceless experience to Leeds' squad in an immediate fix. A return to Yorkshire might attract the Barnsley academy product, who could remain in the top flight without uprooting after spending the past decade at Manchester City. The 32-year-old officially became available on a free transfer while away at the World Cup and will be seeking a new club once the competition concludes.
England manager Thomas Tuchel showed his trust in Stones despite the defender making just five league appearances last term. Remarkably, he was selected ahead of City's Marc Guehi for the Three Lions' opening fixture against Croatia. The seasoned centre-back recently showcased his lasting quality during England's heroic round of 16 triumph over Mexico.
Concerns over reliability
While Stones continues to prove himself on the global stage, his absence of consistent minutes raises a worry. Struijk featured in 33 league fixtures last season and Leeds would require the same reliability from his successor. However, while Stones has suffered fitness setbacks, his restricted playing time doesn't tell the complete story. He found himself slipping down the hierarchy as City prioritised building a partnership between Guehi and Abdukodir Khusanov, leading Stones to enter the World Cup with something to prove.
"I was fit enough 100 per cent, it comes down to various things, the manager (Guardiola) and that's something I can't control and I think it's always difficult to pick an XI and I say to this to him," he explained. "He knows how much I wanted to play, how much I wanted to be there and you can look at it in so many ways. I think I feel as good as I've ever been before a tournament. Yeah, ready, ready to go, feel great, feel sharp and feel fresh and excited for it."
Struijk was a crucial pillar of Leeds' defence and swapping him out for Stones would be a bold move, yet taking that gamble could prove hugely beneficial for Farke's side.
