With Glen Kamara and Archie Grey gone, Leeds United lacks depth and talent in the “number eight” spot. Nevertheless, with Alvyn Sanches, the Whites should strive to outscore Coventry City and Stoke City.
Leaving with large boots to fill, Kamara goes. Having started 33 of the 37 league games in which he appeared, he played more minutes in the centre of Leeds’ midfield than any other player in the squad, therefore there is no doubt that his absence will be felt.
In addition, he played a pivotal role in several important games last year, such as the play-off semifinal against Norwich City and the February 3-1 triumph over Leicester City. Despite how important the Finn was to Farke and company at times last year, it is difficult to argue against Leeds making a solid financial decision in selling the 28-year-old for a big profit.
While his durability and duel-winning allowed Leeds to occasionally trap the opponent in their half, his press resistance, calmness, and ball retention were all important aspects of his game. However, his ball-striking and overall goal and assist productivity left much to be desired.
Meanwhile, Grey is a lost midfield talent of a generation. Although he spent much of last season playing at right-back, Leeds needed to find a more capable replacement for him than only Joe Rothwell. His long-term future was as a “eight.”
Rothwell, on loan from AFC Bournemouth, was signed by Leeds last week. The 29-year-old loanee will provide Farke’s club with additional goals from the midfield, but Leeds might have an even more formidable midfield the next season if they have another player who can play box-to-box and produce well.
Championship interest has emerged in Alvyn Sanches
According to reports, midfielder Sanches from Lausanne-Sport in Switzerland is a target for both Stoke City and Coventry City to sign during the summer transfer season.
This is in line with a story from The Express that states many European clubs are already showing interest in the 21-year-old. Sanches played his way up through the Lausanne-Sport junior system and is currently a mainstay for the senior team in the Swiss top division.
The Swiss youth international, who was born in France, has played 84 senior games for the team thus far, contributing seven assists and 14 goals. He has also received numerous youth international caps for Switzerland. Nevertheless, considering his background and skill at such a young age, it’s unclear how reachable he is to second tier sides.
Scottish powerhouse Celtic has shown interest in the 21-year-old and is rumoured to have sent scouts to monitor Sanches during the course of the previous season as they contemplate a possible transfer. According to the most current report, Sanches’ status has been observed by Stoke and Coventry recently, maybe in anticipation of a transfer.
Prior to the summer, clubs in the Netherlands, Germany, and France are rumoured to have also been keeping an eye on the midfield player. Thankfully, Sanches’s contract with Lausanne-Sport only has two years left on it, guaranteeing his stay with the team till the conclusion of the 2025–2026 campaign.
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