Leeds United are stepping up their plans for the summer with reports claiming that they are very interested in Oscar Mingueza and have already asked about the Barcelona defender.
Mingueza looks to have a lot of potential. He can play at centre-back or right-back. He has represented the senior Spain side already. And he has made 61 appearances in all competitions for Barcelona.
However, a look on social media would suggest that it is not a move that unites the Elland Road faithful. Some are put off amid suggestions that he could be involved in the bid that may take Raphinha to the Nou Camp.
There is also some concern that history may repeat itself after Leeds signed a Barcelona defender last summer.
Leeds do not need to prioritise a new centre-back. They have several senior options in Diego Llorente, Robin Koch, Pascal Struijk and Liam Cooper.
So unless one is leaving or something special comes along, Leeds do not need a new signing in that position.
There is another reason for Leeds to perhaps put their interest in Mingueza on the back-burner. And that is the emergence of Charlie Cresswell this season.
Leeds signing Mingueza would surely hurt Charlie Cresswell
Cresswell made his Premier League debut earlier this term. And whenever he has been called upon, the 19-year-old has looked more than ready for the highest level.
Obviously, he is still a work in progress and not at Mingueza’s level yet. But next year could definitely prove to be a real breakout campaign for the teenager. He looks to have the potential to be a future captain.
Signing Mingueza would have the potential to hurt Cresswell’s development. He would then be sixth in the pecking order. And then, he may have questions about what his future holds. It will not sit well with supporters if he leaves in any capacity.
It does appear that Leeds have several reasons to steer clear of Mingueza. Cresswell’s growth is surely one.