Apart from our failure to add names to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad in January, the biggest concern raised among the fanbase was that we allowed Samuel Saiz to leave for Getafe on loan.
The Spaniard’s departure stripped the Whites of one of our most creative midfielders, and it took a while before the players were firing on anything near full capacity again.
With Saiz now looking unlikely to return to Elland Road in the summer, finding someone who can fill his spot permanently has to be one of our top priorities, and Football Insider understands that the club have already identified our number one target.
No, it’s not Daniel James, it’s Wigan’s Nick Powell, who the club supposedly see as the number ten who can link our midfield and attack next season, whether that be in the Premier League or Championship.
The 25-year-old is said to be on the radar of a number of top and second-tier clubs as the summer window approaches, and could be signed for free given his contract expires when the season draws to a close.
Powell’s stock has certainly been on the rise with Wigan this season, despite their relegation fears, with the former England youth international recording six assists and six goals in his 25 league games, even though he missed three months through injury.
It might not be a dream signing, but the 6-foot creator would offer Bielsa another attacking option without breaking the bank.