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Leeds ‘very interested’ in Argentina centre-back who fits into Bielsa’s style

Facundo Medina Lens November 2021

Leeds United are “very interested” in RC Lens defender Facundo Medina, according to a report in France.

The 22-year-old centre-back is on the radar of Marcelo Bielsa after impressing in Ligue 1. He arrived from Club Atlético Talleres in Argentina in the summer of 2020 for just over €3m and quickly established himself as one of league’s best defenders. He made 26 appearances last season and scored three times. 

This term he has played 14 games and scored once and has been watched by numerous scouts.

Marseille and Spartak Moscow are keen on the player. But according to Homme Du Match in France, it’s “especially the English club of Leeds United who are very interested” in the defender.

The three-cap Argentina international recently played for the national team against Uruguay. And his style “fits perfectly with what Marcelo Bielsa is looking for”.

Medina can play either in a back four or a back three. He can also play as a left-back and so his versatility could be useful for Bielsa.

The Argentinian Bielsa runs a tight squad at Elland Road, but he could be open to strengthening his defence next month.

Liam Cooper and Llorente are Leeds’ preferred central defensive partnership.

Robin Kock is currently injured and so the defensive depth does not go beyond Pascal Struijk.


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Man Utd linked with Medina

Medina emerged as a target for Man Utd this time last year.

 

According to RMC Sport, United added Medina to their list of targets. However, he was not an immediate priority.

La Voix du Nord claimed United had ‘very seriously asked’ Lens about the prospects of a January deal for Medina. An opening bid of €12m was mentioned at the time.

However, the talk was dismissed by StrettyNews in January, who reported United had not even scouted the player.

Last January Lens’ manager Franck Haise said: “Can we lose Medina this winter? We can lose any player at the moment because it’s an open transfer window. This goes beyond me.”

READ MORE: Leeds expert delivers worrying Bielsa future verdict; Orta springs into action