Leeds United have been linked with Barcelona's Oscar Mingueza. The Spanish defender is capable of playing at centre back or right back and reports coming out of Spain claim Barcelona may use the fact that Victor Orta is said to like Mingueza as a way to bring down any fee for Raphinha, who the Catalan giants are heavily linked with.
Spanish outlet, Sport have claimed that Leeds' Brazilian winger has agreed a five-year-deal at Camp Nou and he will push to make the deal happen, once the Whites' safety is secured and the season is over. It is Sport who broke the story regarding Mingueza possibly being included in the deal.
Whilst some will be keen followers of Spanish football and already be fully aware of Mingueza, many Leeds fans won't be aware of the Spaniard. Leeds Live has the low-down on why Orta might be tempted by the deal:
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Who is Oscar Mingueza?
The 22-year-old is a product of Barca's famous La Masia academy. He has been part of the first-team picture since last season. Before that, he played for Barcelona B.
What has he achieved?
Mingueza has racked up 61 appearances for Barca's first-team in just two seasons at the club. He played five times in their Copa Del Rey win last season, starting in the 4-0 victory over Athletic Bilbao in the final.
What is his best position & play-style?
Last season, Mingueza primarily played as a centre back in a back three. This season he has played fewer minutes as Xavi has preferred a back four, rather than a back three. When he has played, he has played more often as a right back.
The 22-year-old is not a particularly aggressive full back, and would hold his position more than somebody like Luke Ayling, were he to play at right back for Leeds. In Ronald Koeman's back three, he was used more to help build attacks with passes from deep.
In this regard, he perhaps seems one that might not fit at Leeds. Jesse Marsch can already call on Diego Llorente and Robin Koch at right-sided centre back, whilst Charlie Cresswell is showing potential as a player ready for more Premier League minutes. That means there isn't a need for a centre back and Mingueza doesn't seem to fit the profile required at right back for Leeds.
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