This article is part of Football FanCast’s Opinion series, which provides analysis, insight and opinion on any issue within the beautiful game, from Paul Pogba’s haircuts to League Two relegation battles…
Last week, Reading boss Mark Bowen issued a hands-off warning to Leeds over midfielder Andy Rinomhota.
The Whites were linked with the 22-year-old by Football Insider, suggesting that he was on the list of targets drawn up by Victor Orta and his recruitment team at Elland Road.
Rinomhota is being eyed as a potential acquisition in either January or the summer but with the Spaniard previously claiming it would be a quiet winter window, we may have to wait a few more months before we see the Royals man in west Yorkshire.
Making an average of 2.2 tackles per game and achieving a better pass success rate than Kalvin Phillips in 2019/20, he’d be a smart acquisition in the middle of the park.
That being said, it might also unnecessarily provide a huge setback for some of the younger players developing on a daily basis at Thorp Arch.
One of those is Robbie Gotts. The relatively unseen 20-year-old has never played for the Whites’ senior team despite appearing regularly on the bench.
The midfielder has recently become a bit of a conundrum for Marcelo Bielsa. Tyler Roberts, Adam Forshaw and Jamie Shackleton may all be out through injury but Gotts still hasn’t got his chance.
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Last week, Bielsa admitted that it wouldn’t be surprising if he wanted to leave to continue his development elsewhere. For someone who has captained the U23 side this term, it would be a blow to lose someone with clear leadership.
“Gotts is a player I feel guilty about because he does everything to try to achieve his goal, even though he hasn’t had minutes on the pitch,” the manager stated.
Bielsa added: “In another moment I said to Robbie that I really wish that he stays with us. But I would understand if he thought at this moment it was better for him to leave, I would understand this.”
And indeed, if Rinomhota arrives at Elland Road in 2020, it would restrict Gotts’ playing time further.
Competition for places is already incredibly tough in the Leeds midfield so adding another body may not be worth it, especially if it causes unrest among those rising through the ranks.
Gotts is a player who has deserved his chance, Bielsa has even suggested that, but opportunities simply won’t come if they sign someone in his position.
In other news, one Leeds man has recently shown why promotion is anything but assured…