Leeds United opinion: Should the Whites make a move for Luca Murphy?

Grimsby Live (h/t TeamTalk) has reported that Leeds United are among the many sides interested in a move for free agent Luca Murphy. The 17-year-old was contracted to Hartlepool but left the club by mutual consent after failing to agree to a long-term deal.

Currently a free agent, it was reported by journalist Dean Jones and even the Shields Gazette, that Fulham were close to a deal. The Cottagers were among the top suitors as they were ready to offer him a better route to first-team football but that failed to happen.

Now Leeds United lead the race and it’s a deal that the club really have to make. A talented star, Luca Murphy has a long and bright future ahead of him but it’s currently one that is being wasted.

At the moment, the teenager is a free agent and while he has been linked with Manchester United, Sunderland, Tottenham and Barnsley but nothing has materialised [Grimsby Live (h/t TeamTalk)].

For a player of his talent, not getting coached by the right team and right coaches, will affect his development.

But for Leeds United, it’s a move that will effectively ensure their long-term future. The Whites do have a half-decent back-line with just the right mixture of experience and youth, but far too many players have struggled this season.

Pontus Jansson has played nearly every game with Liam Cooper at his side, but barring that, few others have made an impact. Both Gaetano Berardi and Aapo Halme have only made 13 appearances combined, with Berardi struggling to keep up.

The Swiss centre-back is 30 years old and isn’t getting any younger, which further emphasises the need for someone as talented as Luca Murphy. Not only is the teenager a solid defender but he is calm, ambidextrous, comfortable with the ball at his feet and more importantly, athletic.

These are all positive stats and it shows that the young defender would be a great long-term star. However, not playing football will affect him, just like how it would affect any player.

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Conclusion

Gaetano Berardi won’t be able to play first-team football regularly a few years down the line and that is a fact that Leeds United have to deal with. Moving on will be tough but adding someone like Luca Murphy will definitely help the club transition easier.