Leeds United could see PSV’s exit opening the transfer door to unfinished business

Two league starts are all Connor Roberts managed during his four months with Leeds United, returning to Burnley with a distinct sense of unfinished business. Injuries and Archie Gray’s form are mainly the reason why the 28-year-old failed to make a bigger impression against United.

Roberts ticked all the right boxes when Daniel Farke signed him on the final day of the January transfer window. He brought experience to a young dressing room, fight, nous, needle and a top six record.

The stars never aligned for the Wales international, whose biggest impression was arguably from the bench at home to Leicester City. Roberts and Patrick Bamford turned the tide of that game, the former scoring Leeds’ first goal of the night.

READ MORE: Double standards concern at Leeds United prompts inquiry after pre-season announcement

An ill-timed injury with Wales in the final international break virtually killed his momentum and chances of playing a significant role in the match. Even in his short time with the club, Roberts was a voice on the pitch and a leader unafraid of ruffling white feathers.

Leeds find themselves with another Championship season ahead of them and are in need of reinforcements at right-back. White would do well to find someone better and more available than Roberts.

He turns 29 in September, already knows the dressing room well, brings that experience with him and has close friendships with the Wales internationals. Burnley added another right-back to their ranks yesterday.

Lorenz Assignon’s January loan was the catalyst that freed Roberts to leave in the winter. He may have returned to Rennes, but the Clarets have now added former PSV Eindhoven defender Shurandy Sambo.

Vitinho remains in the squad as is and Roberts’ contract expires next summer. In a summer full of complexities and false dawns, this seems like a sensible transfer that all parts can be accomplished in short order.