You may have heard this a few times already this season, but Leeds are fun to watch, right? For all his blowing energy, bonkers game handling and breathtaking fitness levels, however, Marcelo Bielsa’s side is sometimes left a bit broken in certain positions. Left-back is one such position.
Apart from Ezgjan Alioski, the Argentine does not have too many options in the role, with Stuart Dallas the best alternative to the Macedonian. So an investment in the transfer market may be short-lived this summer.
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The whites have already found a gem from Ligue 1 in Raphinha, which is currently enjoying an impressive virgin Premier League campaign, and the next import from France could be in the form of 23-year-old Romain Perraud.
Brest left-back has been linked with a move to Elland Road, so here’s all you need to know about him.
Not only is someone connected to a Marcelo Bielsa team, and it is with very good reasons that Perraud is lined up.
The Frenchman is the ultimate modern backback. In addition to being ranked number two in Brest for tackles and interceptions in Ligue 1 this campaign (92), Perraud is one of his side’s most potent attack threats.
The 23-year-old has taken more shots than any other Ligue 1 defender this season, done three times and is ranked third among Ligue 1 defenders to get into the final third (68), helping him register five assists – second highest among the division’s defenders.
Jump to 0:39 and 0:50 in the video above to see Perraud inspire Brest to a 3-2 victory over current league leader Lille earlier in the season – one of the three times he managed a goal and assist in the same match this campaign.
Perraud is another bright perspective for the French national team and has shown great form when he represents the youth of his nation.
He has played for France at levels below 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21 and scored two goals over 22 matches.
Something that has undoubtedly attracted Bielsa to the 23-year-old is his attitude.
The left-back is very aware that the team is bigger than its individuals and says to Le Telegramme 2020 (via planetfootball): “I do not want to go ahead of myself and say” this is the season when I can make a major breakthrough, “because I do not “I’m not pretentious enough to say it’s my season. It’s about putting the team first.”
Just as current Leeds striker Illan Meslier did with Lorient, Perraud made a name for himself in Ligue 2.
The left-back was sent out on loan from Nice to Paris FC for the 2018/19 season and did a lot five times in 32 league matches from the left-back including the absolute rocket seen above.
That season, Perraud was named Ligue 2 player of the season and earned him a € 2 million move to current employer Brest.
In January, Brest made sure that they could at least get a fair transfer fee for Perraud if he left in the summer.
The 23-year-old signed an extension deal that will take him all the way to 2025 with the club and although it does not require an astronomical fee to attract him from Brest, he will not be cheap.
Now we are sure that this is not the main reason why Bielsa is interested in taking Perraud to Elland Road, but the French’s preference for London may finally put an end to the white damned riots in the capital …
The 23-year-old makes sure to document his holiday via his Instagram account and, judging by his couple’s trips to the English capital, he feels comfortable there – unlike the current Leeds squad, obviously.
