Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds United are keeping tabs on Middlesbrough star Marcus Tavernier ahead of the 2022 summer transfer window.
According to Football League World, Premier League side Leeds United are interested in securing the services of Middlesbrough star Marcus Tavernier in the summer transfer window.
The 22-year-old came through the ranks at Newcastle United and Middlesbrough, eventually making his senior bow for the latter in 2017. Since then, he has made 135 appearances for the Teessiders, scoring 14 goals and assisting 15 more. Given his age, it is fair to say that the England youth international has considerable experience under his belt.
Primarily a left-midfielder, Tavernier is equally capable of doing a job on the other flank and centrally. This versatility will hold him in good stead if he moves to Elland Road. A talented dribbler, the 22-year-old also has an eye for making defence-splitting passes. Given his all-action style of play, there is every reason to believe that Marcelo Bielsa can help him further his game in the years to come.
In Jack Harrison and Daniel James, Leeds already have two players who can occupy the left side of midfield. Tavernier’s potential addition offers the Elland Road outfit more depth in the position and gives them an alternative to the under-performing Mateusz Klich in the middle of the park.
It will be in Leeds’s best interests to make a move for the Middlesbrough ace at the end of the season. A switch to Leeds would, in some ways, be a homecoming for the Englishman. He was born in Leeds in 1999, and a move to Elland Road could see him return to his roots.
Middlesbrough have impressed under new manager Chris Wilder and are in contention to gain promotion to the Premier League. Boro are currently seventh in the English second tier behind West Brom, who occupy the final playoff spot, only on goal difference. Boro missing out could very well work in Leeds’s favour provided they retain their top-flight status.
Several players have seamlessly transitioned from the Championship to the Premier League in recent years. James Maddison and Jarrod Bowen are prime examples given their success at Leicester City and West Ham United respectively. Leeds themselves have seen the likes of Patrick Bamford and Kalvin Phillips succeed in the top-flight since their promotion.
Given his performance in the FA Cup win against Manchester United at Old Trafford last Friday, Tavernier should have no issues making the cut either. Given his age, the 22-year-old would be a long-term investment for Leeds as well, making him an interesting option for Bielsa in the summer.
