Leeds United opinion: Whites in for Matt Clarke – Good move?
According to a report in Hull Daily Mail, Leeds United are among the host of clubs who are interested in signing Portsmouth defender Matt Clarke during this transfer window. Hull City, Stoke City, Bristol City, Reading and Brighton are the other contenders in this race.
The 22-year-old has grown in stature as a player in the past couple of years, earning a regular place in the Pompey’s line-up. Now, having earned the reputation, he is been linked with moves away to clubs in higher-level leagues. (h/t Hull Daily Mail)
Clarke’s current contract at Portsmouth expires at the end of next summer, hence, he has entered the final 12 months of his stay at Fratton Park, unless the club manages to offer an extension.
With a plethora of clubs linked, here’s why Leeds need this player the most and should beat everyone to sign the defender this summer:
Whites need depth of quality in central defence
Matt Clarke is a high-quality centre-back who has gradually improved his game over the past season or two. He played every league game for Portsmouth at the back and was one of better players in the team throughout the course of the season.
In terms of his attributes, the 22-year-old is a physically strong player, who doesn’t mind having physical battles with centre-forwards. He is strong in the air and very good at reading the game from the defensive point of view.
On the other hand, Leeds United must rebuild and make valuable additions to the squad, if they are to be successful in their promotion bid next season.
One of the areas that needs enhancement of quality and depth is in central defence. While Liam Cooper and Pontus Jansson are good options, and Gaetano Berardi is also there, the Whites have been susceptible at the back.
It feels as though they need a dominating centre-back to partner Cooper, or act as a backup to Jansson/Berardi. For that reason, the club shouldn’t hesitate in making a move for Matt Clarke.
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Conclusion
Therefore, looking at the situation from Leeds’ perspective, it is extremely important that they make inroads in the transfer market. Signing the 22-year-old wouldn’t be a bad start!