Leeds United were snubbed by the ‘electric’ striker in January, but now they should come back for him

Those numbers will need some serious replacement from Daniel Farke and his recruitment team, but a reported £30m fee should certainly help with that.

Despite Summerville, Dan James and Willy Gnonto enjoying positive campaigns, Leeds’ January transfer activity would suggest that Farke is not entirely happy with his wide options.

Leeds tried and failed to bring in another right-back over the winter and it will be interesting to see if they revisit that regardless of what happens with Summerville.

Why Leeds should return for January target Manuel Benson

James and Gnonto have both enjoyed good runs of form on the right at different times of the season, but the balance of the team hasn’t always been right with them there.

Given that Summerville was right-footed playing on the left, it would have made more sense for the opposite to be on the other flank, but that was never the case.

As such, Leeds looked to bring in one of David Brooks or Manuel Benson in the January window. Brooks ended up joining Southampton, while the latter rejected a deadline day switch in favor of staying at Burnley.

Benson enjoyed an excellent year during Burnley’s 2022/23 promotion-winning campaign, returning 12 goals, earning him the tag of being an ‘electric’ winger.

However, for whatever reason, Benson was never given the chance to shine in the Premier League and after being offered the chance to leave Leeds in January, the decision to turn it down may be one he regrets .

Leeds still lack his type of squad profile at the moment and he is certainly someone they should revisit their interest in, with Burnley actually needing to sell him this summer.

Benson will be allowed to leave Burnley this summer

Even more reason for Leeds to be encouraged about another potential move for Benson is that he will be allowed to leave.

Journalist Sacha Tavolieri, who reported on Leeds’ interest in January, revealed late last month that his future is away from Turf Moor.

That said, Burnley’s position could of course change when their new manager comes in, as Vincent Kompany was still in charge then.

However, given his pedigree at this level, Benson is certainly someone Leeds should be all over when it comes to strengthening.

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