It certainly took its time and for once it wasn’t the 662 Keighley to Bradford bus for a change. No, this was the long-mooted news that Sunderland’s Liam Bridcutt was to be an emergency loan signing for Leeds United, as confirmed by the club before today’s 5p.m. deadline.
Bridcutt arrived after protracted negotiations broke down at one stage and were only reinvigorated by a late-night Steve Evans call last night to the Sunderland midfielder who was attracting interest from other Championship clubs, with interest reportedly from Cardiff City.
Bridcutt, who hasn’t featured for the Black Cats this season, but who had 18 Premier League outings in the last campaign, is delighted to be at Elland Road saying, “This is a great opportunity for me to get some games.” Speaking of Evans, Bridcutt also said that he’s ready to play a part from the get-go and that, “He’s [Evans] given me a good opportunity to come and play and hopefully I can do that.”
With Leeds also reported to be in for late loan bids for Swansea’s Marvin Emmes and Middlesbrough’s Kike, bids which eventually bore no fruition, there was a sense of delight that at least one player wanted by the club hadn’t managed to slip through the net.
However, how is news of Liam Bridcutt’s signing being received by that barometer of fan response that is Twitter?
Bridcutt’s in in front of deadline – Twitter reacts
Bridcutt described himself as "vocal", maybe he'll be the midfield leader we're missing? #lufc
— Simon Gardner (@simamuofficial) November 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/grayboots1962/status/669946919469215744
Hope this liam bridcutt actually puts a shift in. Can't be doing with these lazy players anymore
— Phil (@leedsunited86) November 26, 2015
https://twitter.com/5O887/status/669925567182016513
https://twitter.com/AdamGodfrey_93/status/669915053253074944
Liam Bridcutt – Great signing at championship level! Hopefully this one works out unlike Buckley. I've high hopes for him. #lufc #mot
— Charlie Wright (@charliewright24) November 26, 2015
If we continue to play 4-4-2 then Bridcutt would be useful alongside Cook or Murphy, he could sit and start moves forward #lufc
— Tom Raynor (@TOMLUFC1995) November 26, 2015
There’s even some positive news from a Brighton fan…
#lufc massive loan signing in Bridcutt. Easily valued at around £5million when he was playing at his peak for us.
— Matt Orlando (@MattyBHAFC) November 26, 2015
Where will this signing go, it’s Leeds United so who knows? It’s a case of suck-it-and-see for Whites fans on this one but at least Liam Bridcutt is a player who Steve Evans has brought in himself rather than one, like Will Buckley, who he inherited from the previous regime.
Featured images credit – Leeds United official Twitter
