Leeds United are now targeting a player that Archie Gray described as ‘brilliant’ last season.
Leeds United are reportedly interested in a Copa America star, monitoring him during the tournament after Archie Gray praised him as “brilliant” last season.
The Whites will need to sell a few key players this summer, but signing new talent is equally important. A new right-back, a replacement for Joe Rodon, and two new wingers are now priorities.
Leeds need two wingers because Jaidon Anthony has returned to Bournemouth after his loan at Elland Road. Additionally, Crysencio Summerville and Willy Gnonto are expected to be sold, with Nottingham Forest having submitted a bid for the latter.
This situation leaves Leeds with only Dan James as a natural winger. Ian Poveda is also set to depart on a free transfer, as the club confirmed he would not be offered a new deal in their retained list.
Reports indicate that Leeds are interested in signing a player set to play under Jesse Marsch at Copa America, someone Gray described as “brilliant” last season.
Archie Gray called the new Leeds target “brilliant” last season
Gray, despite being young and playing out of position at right-back last season, faced a tough challenge from Canada attacker Liam Millar. The 24-year-old scored the winner for Preston in a 2-1 victory over Leeds at Deepdale, in a match where Illan Meslier was sent off. Millar also assisted Preston’s first goal in that game.
Although Leeds avenged the defeat with a late penalty win at Elland Road by the same scoreline in January, it was Millar who created Preston’s opener. After the game, Gray admitted Millar is a brilliant winger.
“With Jack Clarke and Liam Millar, you have to do different things. It’s about realizing who you’re playing against, recognizing strengths and weaknesses, and knowing where to force them.
“You learn the most from difficult games. There are brilliant wingers in this league. Sometimes they’re going to get the better of you, and you learn the most from those situations,” Gray told BBC Radio Leeds.
However, doubts remain about Millar’s ability to replace the likes of Summerville or Gnonto at Leeds, given his 10 goals and assists in 35 Championship games as a winger.
A closer look reveals that Preston played with a 3-4-2-1 system, where Millar operated as a wing-back, which involved more defensive responsibilities than the wingers under Daniel Farke.
Despite this, Millar, a former Liverpool player, is clearly a winger who prefers to attack. With his contract at parent club Basel entering its final year, Leeds could potentially make a move for him.
