Presenter Joe Wainman has admitted that he was not surprised that Leeds United did not make a move for midfielder Olivier Ntcham in the recent transfer window.
What did Wainman say about Ntcham?
Leeds were looking to bolster their midfield this summer as they were linked with Conor Gallagher and Nahitan Nandez. They did not manage to land either player, though.
Meanwhile, Ntcham was available on a free transfer at one stage after his time at Celtic came to an end. However, Leeds opted against trying to sign him, and he went to Championship side Swansea on deadline day.
Wainman claimed that it was not a shock that Leeds didn't go in for Ntcham, as he is not convinced that Bielsa would have played him regularly this term.
He told GIVEMESPORT: “Bielsa won’t take players if they’re not going to get game time and if he doesn’t think they’re the right character, the right type of player. I’m forever having this conversation where people say: ‘we need bigger depth’, and we’re never going to get that under Bielsa. But what we need to do is improve the quality of the depth.
“So, like we have done with removing Costa and Poveda out of the scenario, and having Summerville and Dan James, it’s a step up. Bielsa looks at it and sees that he’s got Forshaw back on the mend, Klich, Dallas. Are these players that are going to come in and start over them or are they just going to sit on the bench? They’re going to sit on the bench, which is what would happen. It’s like with the Kalvin position. It’s hard to find someone who can do what Kalvin can, who’s also going to be willing to sit on the bench.
“That’s why Bielsa prefers maybe a Robin Koch who can play in centre-back and also go in there if needed.”
How has Ntcham started this season at Swansea?
The 25-year-old went straight into Swansea's starting line-up after the international break, but his first two games at the club ended in 0-0 stalemates.
He was dropped to the bench for Saturday's clash with Luton, but he certainly made his mark when he was introduced at half-time.
With his side 3-0 down, Ntcham inspired a stirring second-half comeback, delivering the assist for Swansea's first goal prior to scoring the side's second as they picked up an unlikely 3-3 draw.
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Should Leeds have made more of an effort to sign Ntcham?
Wainman's point is certainly valid, as Leeds do have several options in midfield to pick from, so it would have been difficult to guarantee Ntcham some minutes on the pitch.
However, his performance against Luton highlighted how Leeds may have missed a trick. He almost single-handedly turned the game on its head, showing that he is able to make a major impact even when he is not starting.
This indicates that he could have been a useful addition to Leeds' squad, as he may have been able to contribute off the bench for Bielsa's men this term.