Leeds United defender Laurens De Bock has been linked with a move away from Elland Road all summer, with the Belgium international finding himself firmly out of the plans of Argentinian manager, Marcelo Bielsa. Today he has spoken of his time with Leeds United.
De Bock has found life difficult in West Yorkshire, with his performances falling way below the desired levels of a team looking to earn their way out of the Championship and back to the Premier League.
The 26-year-old left back spent last season away on loan at Belgian side Oostende, before returning to Leeds in the summer. But this is not what Leeds United had planned for the player and quickly sought another move for De Bock, eventually seeing a move to Greek Super League side Aris fall by the wayside.
Yesterday saw the final day of the transfer window for League One, League Two and European leagues, leaving Premier League and Championship clubs still vulnerable to losing their playing staff, but it gave Leeds another opportunity to off-load the defender.
Sunderland took the plunge on a player that still has a good reputation in European football but saw his confidence truly knocked by his start in West Yorkshire.
Laurens De Bock has joined the Black Cats on a season-long-loan, hoping to provide a helping hand in the club achieving promotion back to the Championship and seeing a great opportunity to kick start his career.
Here is what the Belgian had to say regarding his time at Leeds and his future aspirations to Sunderlands Official website…
“Leeds was a difficult period, I had a good start in the first two or three games but then the manager got sacked and I got an injury, so it was really difficult.
“I hope to have a new start here, to play and win games.”
“I’m very happy to be here. I heard a lot about the club because some Belgian players were here and I talked a little bit with them. Everybody was really positive, so I’m really happy.
“I know the team wants to go up this season and hopefully my experience will help us achieve that.”
Hopefully this will be the move that see’s De Bock revive his career and become a stalwart in the Sunderland defence.
