Ex-Leeds United loanee Jermaine Pennant believes his former club should make a double signing this summer if they are promoted to the Premier League.
Leeds flying on track for promotion
As we enter the business end of the season, Leeds are in a very strong position to achieve their aim of promotion from the Championship, given that they are currently sitting seven points above third-placed Burnley.
The Whites have won four games on the spin in the second tier, and they strengthened their chances of ending their two-year absence from the Premier League with a dramatic 2-1 victory against promotion rivals Sunderland last time out.
A Wilson Isidor effort gave the Black Cats the lead just after the half-an-hour mark, but substitute Pascal Struijk was the hero in the second half, with the 25-year-old bagging a late equaliser before netting a stoppage-time winner to secure all three points at Elland Road.
The job is far from done, but Leeds chiefs are likely to have one eye on signings for the summer transfer window, and they may be particularly keen to tie down two loanees, who have played a key role in their push for promotion this season.
When asked whether he thinks Tottenham Hotspur’s Manor Solomon and AFC Bournemouth’s Joe Rothwell should be signed on a permanent basis, Pennant, who spent a season at Elland road in 2003-04 told Football FanCast: “100 per cent. Especially when you come into the Premier League, you need as much talent as you can. They’re two great players who have helped Leeds immensely.
“When you get players who have got you promoted, you want to keep that core and then invest around that for players who can adapt and play in the Premier League.
“So 100 per cent they need to sign players like that, it’s only gonna benefit them if they can.”
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Solomon has been a vital player for Daniel Farke this season, and the winger has been particularly impressive since the turn of the year, picking up four goals and four assists in his last eight matches.
At 25-years-old, the Israel international is only likely to improve, and he has previously put in some impressive performances in the top flight, bagging four goals in 19 top-tier games for Fulham, so there are indications he would be able to make the step-up.
Rothwell has also been integral to Leeds’ success, making 30 appearances and assisting both goals in the dramatic victory against Sunderland, with TEAMtalk’s James Marshment lauding the Bournemouth loanee as a “driving force” in Farke’s midfield.
Given the midfielder’s Premier League experience is limited, having only played a bit-part role for the Cherries, the 30-year-old may not be a regular starter next season, but his performances this season suggest he could be a good squad player at the very least.