Leeds United could be looking to sign a player from one of their Championship rivals in the shape of Rekeem Harper.
The 19-year-old has been linked with a loan move to Elland Road in The Sun on Sunday (19/1/20 page, 65), and this would certainly be an interesting switch.
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The midfielder was a breakout performer for West Brom last season as he started 13 games for the Baggies despite being just 18 years old at the beginning of the campaign.
This terms he’s fallen out of favour under Slaven Bilic, appearing just once for the Midlands club in a six-minute cameo.
So, should Leeds sign him? He’s not played all that much this season, and they wouldn’t reap the benefits of his long-term development because it’s only a six-month loan. However, he’d provide some much-needed depth in midfield with United often having to rely on Stuart Dallas playing out of position due to ongoing injuries to Adam Forshaw and Tyler Roberts.
We asked our writers to give their verdicts on whether or not Leeds should sign the teenager this month.
Matt Dawson
“This would be an utterly pointless signing, especially if it’s to take up Leeds’ valuable loan quota. Rekeem Harper was a bit part of the West Brom side last season and didn’t show a tremendous amount either in attack or defence. The 19-year-old contributed to just two goals in 17 outings while also making only 0.5 tackles per game. On top of that, he’s played as few as six minutes in the Championship this term.
“It’s hard to really assess what kind of player the midfielder is but given the plethora of options Leeds already possess in their squad, it’s strange to see they’re even in the race to sign him.
“Adam Forshaw and Tyler Roberts have sat out large periods of the season with injury but trying to make up for their absence by bringing in a young player is the wrong approach. The Whites have Jamie Shackleton in their ranks, as well as promising individuals like Robbie Gotts, Alfie McCalmont and Mateusz Bogusz who have all gained first-team minutes in 2019/20. Marcelo Bielsa is better off looking closer to home for a solution in the middle of the park.”
Kealan Hughes
“Signing a player who has barely featured for a fierce promotion rival is hardly a positive message to send out, particularly now with many supporters frustrated at the fact that Patrick Bamford is the sole striker at the club.
“Leeds have the players currently in place to maintain possession and create chances, occupying 65% of the ball against QPR and having 17 shots against them, for example, and it is clear that recently the problem has been putting the ball in the net.
“As a result, Victor Orta and co need to prioritise their efforts in that area rather than Harper, as signing the youngster will do very little to aid their promotion bid.
“He had made just 23 professional appearances in his career so far and there is nothing to suggest he’d be an upgrade on the current crop, and would instead likely hinder the development of Tyler Roberts and Jamie Shackleton.”
Jonathan Radcliffe
“On paper, this certainly looks like a signing worth avoiding. After all, Harper has played in just one game so far this season for the Baggies. However, there has to be a reason why the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and Juventus were all looking at the 19-year-old.
“Marcelo Bielsa has already done wonders with younger players such as Jack Harrison, who has 11 goal involvements this term, so why couldn’t he have a similar influence on Harper?
“With a little bit of encouragement, he could give the Whites the boost they need, and on loan, it would not be an expensive option. Leeds should gamble and bring him in.”
Charles Jones
“Personally I don’t think Rekeem Harper is a player Leeds should be pursuing.
“The 19-year-old has played just once in the league this term, and signing him sends out the wrong message to youngsters already at the club eagerly awaiting their shot at first-team football.
“Take for example Robbie Gotts. Marcelo Bielsa has publicly admitted that he feels guilty about the lack of game time he’s received this season, so imagine how he’d feel if someone younger than him came in on loan and slotted above him in the pecking order. I don’t like the idea of Harper signing for Leeds, and they should avoid him.”
In other news, Danny Pugh has spoken to us about the impact of a potential takeover at Leeds.
