Leeds United Launch Enquiry For Argentine Midfielder: Can He Solve Bielsa’s Problems? | OneFootball

According to ESPN journalist Jorge Baravalle, Leeds United are interested in Tomas Belmonte. The Premier League outfit have made an enquiry, about the possibility of signing the CA Lanus midfielder. It appears the Argentine club are holding out for a fee of just €9 million, for the services of Belmonte, who is also courted by clubs from Italy and Turkey.

Who Is Tomas Belmonte?

A native of Lanus, Tomas Belmonte has been playing for his hometown club throughout his life. Initially starting out as a youth player, the youngster was given a promotion to the senior side in January 2018. He hasn’t had to look back since, with the player notching up almost 100 competitive appearances for CA Lanus.

A central midfielder by trade, Belmonte has done well at Lanus, scoring 12 goals and registering four assists. He is primarily identified as a utility midfielder, one who can operate in both attacking and defensive positions.

So quite naturally, the 23-year-old is adept when it comes to offering the work rate in midfield. He can cover a lot of ground, whereas his aggression makes him a useful asset in the second line of press.

Standing at 1.78m, Belmonte is not a particularly imposing physical player. But he is quite effective in aerial duels, thus further indicating the all-round nature of his game.

PEREIRA, COLOMBIA – JANUARY 30 : Christian Rivas of Venezuela competes for the ball with Matias Zaracho and Tomas Belmonte of Argentina ,during a match between Argentina U23 and Venezuela U23 as part of CONMEBOL Preolimpico 2020 at Estadio Hernan Ramirez Villegas on January 30, 2020 in Pereira, Colombia. MB Media SPO, SOC, FOI, SPO, SOC, FOI PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xMBxMediax

Is Belmonte A Good Option For Leeds United?

Leeds United are in desperate need of reinforcements in the midfield department this summer. Despite the success of Kalvin Phillips, they are lacking a proper alternative, while Marcelo Bielsa might also want to add more competition in the slightly advanced role.

Belmonte could be an interesting option as he does offer versatility to the table. The fact that he can operate anywhere in central midfield means the Argentine can not only cover for Phillips at holding midfield but also compete with the likes of Mateusz Klich and Stuart Dallas.

The 23-year-old’s rather aggressive style of play, combined with his work rate, tune in well with Bielsa’s tactical setup as well. At the same time, though, the midfielder does not have any experience of playing in Europe.

It could be problematic, especially when it comes to settling into the Premier League. But for a fee of just €8 million, Belmonte would be a decent option for Leeds United, as far as adding more depth in midfield is concerned.