New Leeds United signing Granddi Ngoyi (Photo credit: www.psgmag.net via Wikipedia)
Leeds United have today confirmed the signing of Granddi Ngoyi, but the Whites would be foolish to expect too much from the defensive midfielder too soon. While he has been a success in the past, his level of action for Palermo this season puts his fitness at doubt, reports Amitai Winehouse.
The Elland Road side used Nicola Salerno, Leeds’ sporting director, for the majority of their transfer business in the summer. While his knowledge of Italian football is to be commended, some of the additions did not play much football last season, and it has caused problems.
As a result, Leeds have reverted to using tried and tested players with experience of the Championship in recent weeks, and their form has picked up somewhat, culminating in the 1-0 win against Bournemouth last Tuesday, a result that was particularly impressive given the disparity between the two sides in terms of league position.
While it would be unfair to suggest that Ngoyi comes without some hope, having played a big role as Palermo were promoted from Serie B last season, Leeds cannot afford to make the same error they did in the summer, and expect too much from another player who has played very little football recently and is going to have to acclimatise to a difficult division.
Demanding too much from him too soon could be a mistake. He has only played 71 minutes of league football this season, with all five of his appearances coming from the bench for Palermo. In fact, his last game was on the 24 November 2014, when he played for less than a minute, suggesting a serious lack of match fitness.
Recent reports have suggested that Rodolph Austin might be sold this month. If Ngoyi is his intended replacement, to be thrown straight into the first team, that could be a problem, especially with Leeds requiring points between now and the end of the campaign to avoid the dreaded drop into League One.
Head coach Neil Redfearn would be far better served, if he can convince the powers that be at the club, to retain the pool of players he already has, and slowly integrate Ngoyi into the side.
With an option to sign him permanently written into the loan deal, presumably after a negotiation down of Palermo’s £1.5 million rating of him, easing him into the division would be best for Leeds, rather than throwing him into the deep end. An extended period with opportunities in flashes might be the best way to judge him, instead of demanding a performance as soon as this weekend’s important Yorkshire derby against Huddersfield Town.
Key points:
- Ngoyi has only played 71 minutes of first team football this season, putting his fitness at doubt.
- He has, however, got a promotion under his belt only recently; from Serie B with Palermo last season.
- Leeds can’t afford to assume he’s an immediate replacement for Rodolph Austin, with a genuine battle on their hands.
- The Whites might be best served by giving Ngoyi time to settle and regain fitness.
Stats via WhoScored.com.
Has Bianchi’s future been agreed? If he’s staying we need to get him into shape before he’s helping Norris decorate his front room.
Redders? Seriously? This is football not dumb cricket. Anyway,who CAN we expect anything of this season as Redfearn seems to be saying more or less the same thing about everyone we sign?