Leeds United are interested in a deal to bring William Mikelbrencis to Elland Road in the summer transfer window.
What’s the talk?
That’s according to a claim made by Loic Tanzi, with the L’Equipe journalist revealing in a recent post on Twitter that, as well as 2. Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, Victor Orta has now submitted an official bid for the FC Metz right-back.
However, Tanzi goes on to suggest that, should the 18-year-old opt for a move to Germany ahead of one to the Premier League, he would have an immediate place in the Hamburger starting XI, while first-team opportunities would likely be much more limited at Elland Road.
In his post, the journalist said: “Leeds have also made an offer but in Hamburger, William Mikelbrencis will have a place as soon as he arrives in the first team.”
The next Aarons
Considering just how promising a talent Mikelbrencis evidently is, in addition to the fact that Orta is well-known for his desire to bring the most exciting youth prospects to Elland Road – as evidenced by his signings of both Sonny Perkins and Darko Gyabi in the current transfer window – it is not hard to understand why the Spaniard would be keen on a move for the 18-year-old.
Indeed, despite Metz’s relegation from the French top flight last season, the £1.8m-rated talent still managed to catch the eye over his nine Ligue 1 appearances in 2021/22, helping his side keep one clean sheet, registering one assist and creating one big chance for his teammates, as well as making an average of 1.2 tackles, 0.6 interceptions and taking 0.7 shots per game.
These returns have generated a great deal of interest in the teenager’s services this summer, with Atalanta, Eintracht Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart all reported to be keen on the youngster, alongside the likes of Leeds and Hamburger.
Furthermore, according to FBref, the £1k-per-week defender also ranks in the top 23% of full-backs in Europe’s big five leagues and European competitions for assists per 90, in addition to the top 18% for pressures, the top 24% for shots, the top 38% for dribbles completed and the top 43% for progressive carries over the last 365 days.
These metrics see FBref list Norwich City’s £20m-valued Max Aarons – the 22-year-old right-back who has been linked with both Barcelona and Bayern Munich following a number of impressive campaigns with the Canaries – as Mikelbrencis’ most comparable player. It is clear to see why considering that England U21 international also particularly impresses in dribbles completed, progressive carries and pressures over the past 12 months.
As such, should Orta manage to get a deal for the France U18 international over the line this summer, the Spaniard could well have unearthed the new Aarons for Leeds – a prospect that is sure to delight the Elland Road faithful and Jesse Marsch alike.