Ajax starlet Noa Lang is the latest player with big potential to be linked with a move to Leeds United.
Marcelo Bielsa and Leeds United have had a terrific first season back into the Premier League and anybody who criticized the Argentine’s tactics and methods has been done wrong by Leeds’ 9th place finish, only 2 points behind Arsenal and 8 points from Champions League football.
Thus, Bielsa has been given the nod by the Leeds hierarchy to rebuff his squad in the summer as the Argentine feels that his team can do far better while going forward. Marcelo Bielsa, additionally, has always had his eye on players who can perform multiple roles and offer versatility to his squad.
Therefore, the club’s interest in Ajax winger Noa Lang is no surprise. The winger has been on loan at Club Brugge this season but has performed beyond expectations which has caught Marcelo Bielsa’s tactical eye in England.
Why does Lees United want Noa Lang?
Barring Patrick Bamford this season, no other player in the Leeds squad has managed to breach the 10 goal mark in the Premier League. This is a sense of concern for Marcelo Bielsa, who wants to compete for a place in Europe next season. Thus, Noa Lang could be a perfect addition to this squad.
On loan at Club Brugge, Noa Lang has scored 16 goals and provided 7 assists while also scoring one goal in the club’s Champions League campaign. The mercurial winger is also one of the candidates for winning the Jupiler Pro Player of the Season award, such has his contribution been to Club Brugge’s yet another title-winning season.
Leeds have failed to look threatening on the wings this season, something 21-year-old Lang can certainly help with. The winger has played across all areas of the front line this season, with his preferred role being that of a left-winger. His numbers are enough evidence of the kind of player Leeds will be getting should they sign the Dutchman.
Lang has played 29 times for Brugge out of a possible 34 appearances this season, and the winger has averaged 2.9 shots per 90minutes. This is an important statistic for Marcelo Bielsa as he has been encouraging his midfield to shoot more often this season, while Patrick Bamford has also been selfless in front of goals. Lang has also averaged 2 key passes a game which shows the kind of quality he can offer to Leeds in the final third, an area they can surely improve in.
The 21-year-old has also achieved 2 dribbles per 90 minutes while also being fouled twice in a game. This portrays Lang’s direct nature and his quality on the ball. Bielsa’s game also demands relentless pressing and movement off the ball, a facet the youngster will have to develop as he has averaged less than a successful tackle per match this season.
All these factors point towards what has piqued Bielsa’s interest and why Leeds might sign the player soon.
What is his contract situation, and when can a deal be completed for the winger?
Although Noa Lang is an Ajax player, Club Brugge have the option to buy the player for £5 million on July 1, an option the Belgian club are keen on activating.
However, if Ajax receives a better offer from Leeds United for the player, the player could be sent to Elland Road. Although this also depends on where Noa Lang sees his future. As per The Daily Mail, Lang is interested in playing in the Premier League as he feels it is the perfect step up to his career needs.
Noa Lang is not the only player on Leeds’ transfer list as the club are also on the lookout for a left-back and center-back. While Leeds have not made a formal offer yet for the winger, it might not be long before they do so, now that the Premier League season is over and the club can begin with their transfer dealings.
