Leeds United Transfer Rumour: Monk needs a Deadline Day signing, maybe Modou Barrow?

With Leeds United at the end of the January transfer window without (officially) signing a single player, there are a few still on the radar for Garry Monk and his men. Out-of-favour Gambian born winger Modou Barrow is the latest to have been rumoured to make the switch to Elland Road after struggling for consistent game time under relegation battling Swansea City. So let’s take a look at what Barrow might bring to Elland Road should the deadline day move happen.

Garry Monk is no stranger to Modou Barrow, after signing him to Swansea during his tenure there as manager. He is a player that Monk no doubt has been keeping his eye on after seeing his time on the pitch dwindle week by week.

And the good thing about the potential idea of signing Barrow before the deadline is that Swansea are apparently willing to let him go.

After signing Barrow from Swedish club Östersunds for £1.5 million in August of 2014, Barrow has made 18 Premier League appearances this season under the handful of men to manage at Swansea this season. Unfortunately, he has not found the back of the net in any of those appearances, and in consequence of that, has been falling down the pecking order when it comes to playing on the wing.

Whether Monk signs Barrow on a permanent deal or on loan, I think this is a signing that MUST HAPPEN TODAY. Here is why:

1. Swansea only want £7 million for the Gambian winger.

Nowadays, with the huge inflation in the transfer market where we see the likes of John Stones leaving for £45 million, the price tag set on Barrow is an extremely good deal. Sometimes, we see Championship clubs transferring players out for £10 million, which yes, is a ridiculous amount, but this is 2017. £7 million for an out-of-favour winger is a great deal that Monk should definitely capitalize on.

2. Playing time could be a factor in Barrow’s decision.

Modou Barrow is unhappy with his playing time. He has to compete with Wayne Routledge, Jefferson Montero, Nathan Dyer, and new signing Luciano Narsingh. Chances are, Barrow is better playing football elsewhere where he can compete each and every game. He simply does not want to be the backup behind these talented wingers.

Leeds are not his only suitor though. Premier League teams Crystal Palace and Southampton have all expressed interest in him. And Leeds are not the only Championship team interested in him either, with Newcastle and Aston Villa inquiring about his availability. Of those teams, if Barrow wants to play game in and game out, his best bet is Leeds United.

3. He fits in perfectly with Monk’s style of play.

Modou Barrow is a pacey and tactically skillful winger, which is something Leeds might have signed yesterday in Alfonso Pedraza, but you can never have too much talent. With Barrow, Leeds can play both Barrow, Pedraza, Sacko, Roofe, Dallas, Doukara, or many others out on the wings, and that depth in itself would be a force to be reckoned with.

Garry Monk has used Barrow before. After all, he is the one who signed him, so he has no doubts over Barrow’s playing ability. From the first day that Barrow will step onto Elland Road, he will have the 100% support from his manager... and he’ll win that support from the fans. Support is key to winning games and helping a team get back into the Premier League where Barrow knows he belongs.

Final Thoughts...

Monk needs reinforcements. He said it himself after the embarrassing loss they had against Sutton in the FA Cup, and we’ve all been saying it for months. But for sure, Monk does not want just numbers. He wants quality over quantity, and he should not panic buy.

That’s not what this is. I think Modou Barrow is a signing that needs to be done. Get on it Monk! The deadline is today! MOT.