It seems like everything is pointing in the direction of Lewis Baker becoming Leeds United’s first summer signing and Marcelo Bielsa’s first ever signing in English football. Reports tonight from journalist James Nursey are that Baker has already had his Leeds medical.
Leeds are close to snapping up Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker. He's had a medical at Elland Road. See @MirrorFootball live blog for updates https://t.co/TqT8DH20FE
— James Nursey (@JamesNursey) June 29, 2018
Phil Hay confirmed Leeds were close to a deal earlier today, something that has also been tweeted by Alan Nixon. Jamal Blackman, the Chelsea goalkeeper who was loaned to Sheffield United last season in a successful campaign has also been pictured at Thorp Arch and Elland Road today but that doesn’t seem as close as the Baker deal.
Baker, 23 has had serious time away from Chelsea since he has developed and Leeds could well be the next destination. He has had productive loans twice with Vitesse in Holland and not so fruitful spells with Middlesbrough, MK Dons and Sheffield Wednesday. He scored 15 goals during his time at Vitesse and helped the Dutch club to their first KNVB Cup in 125 years, scoring a brace in the semi-final on the way.
Transfer latest – Leeds United close in on deal for Chelsea midfielder Lewis Baker:https://t.co/8WeW94LOxv
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) June 29, 2018
Marcelo Bielsa hasn’t yet signed a player since arriving at Leeds on Monday and he’ll want to get some deals done with his senior sessions only made up of 12 senior players. Ronaldo Vieira, Tyler Roberts and Pontus Jansson haven’t trained for different reasons but make the numbers up to 15. Some haven’t even reported back for training and some are training with the under 23’s.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqQTy2hfsJ4
If this story from the Mirror is true then Leeds have all but done the deal, that does go in line with a tweet early today from the Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Phil Hay, Leeds’ fans most reliable source from outside of the football club. Baker is a talented player and although he didn’t impress Boro fans last season it’s fair to say he didn’t get the game time he probably needs to develop and settle.