According to reports coming from Italian sports media, Leeds are among Premier League and Champions League clubs interested in the highly rated Fiorentina defender Igor Julio [via TeamTalk].
The Brazilian central defender has looked like a solid first team option for Fiorentina, with consistently quality performances over the course of the current league campaign.
Indications at the moment are that Leeds have requested information from Fiorentina about the 24 year old’s status. Brighton and Brentford are said to be Premier League clubs also interested in landing the defender’s signature, along with Spanish sides Atletico Madrid and Real Betis.
Igor is a versatile defender capable of playing left back, though has primarily played at centre back this season, registering five clean sheets to date. While I have no problems with the club strengthening the squad, I believe that many Leeds fans would share my view that we would be far better off making a move for a designated left back, rather than another centre back capable of filling in at left full.
Getting off the tangent on Leeds’ left back problems, Igor is under contract at Fiorentina until the summer of 2024, and reports suggest the Serie A side would not be willing to let him go for under €20 million.
Its difficult to know what might come of this. Personally, I think that Robin Koch and Max Wober looked like a very strong partnership against Brentford last week. Pascal Struijk is a great option in central defence but we’re passed the expiry date of his time at left back. If the club does still have funds left in the transfer budget, it would make more sense to move for a left back than another central defender right now.
What do you think Leeds should do regarding defensive signings before the transfer deadline next week? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on Twitter at @VitalLeeds!