According to a report in Daily Star, Brentford have released versatile defender Yoann Barbet after no agreement was reached over the contract extension talks.
Since arriving at Griffin Park four years ago for an undisclosed fee, the 26-year-old has been a regular in the team. However, he rejected the idea of extending his stay at the club in a bid to ply his trade elsewhere (h/t Daily Star).
As per the report (h/t L’Equipe), Leeds United, who are currently contesting the playoffs in the Championship, are interested in the defender. Wolves and newly-promoted Norwich City are also in the mix.
Irrespective of what happens in the playoffs, here’s why Marcelo Bielsa’s men should do everything to sign Barbet in the summer:
Predominantly a centre-back now, Barbet is capable of playing at left-back, a position where he used to play a few years back. The fact that he can ably contribute while operating in either of the positions is something to behold.
In terms of his attributes, the Frenchman possesses great recovery pace, which a fullback or wide centre-back must have. He is physically strong and wins loads of aerials duels.
It might not be highly rated, but Barbet’s passing from the back and crossing from wide areas is pretty good at most times. He may mishit one or two, but the vision is accurate more often than not. His reading of the game and the ability to snuff out danger at its origin must be applauded.
Leeds could really do with a player like him in their squad. With Barry Douglas injury-prone, the left-back slot is there for the taking. Furthermore, the Whites do not have a quality backup in central defence, hence, the Frenchman can slot in there as well.
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Bielsa’s men will have to play very well from here on to get promoted to the Premier League. Though, the inability to do so mustn’t mean they miss out on the signing of Barbet.
Leeds need more quality in their backline, and the 26-year-old has the capabilities to improve that department.
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