Leicester City are set to face Leeds United at the King Power Stadium on Friday night, and all eyes will be on midfielder Harry Winks, whose recent performances have been catching attention. Interestingly, Winks could have been playing for Leeds this season had things turned out differently.
After spending a year on loan at Sampdoria under Andrea Radrizzani, Winks returned to Tottenham in the summer. With just a year left on his contract, he needed a move to revive his career. Leicester signed him for £10m.
Although dropping down a division, Winks has been determined to regain his form following an ankle injury while in Italy. Whether he can reach the same level as he did for the England national team remains to be seen.
Nonetheless, Winks has made a fantastic start to his return in England. Out of Leicester’s 14 league matches so far, he has completed the full 90 minutes in 13 games and played for more than 80 minutes in the other one. As a result, the Foxes currently sit at the top of the table.
Leeds had their eye on midfield signings during the summer. Players like Tyler Adams, Adam Forshaw, Weston McKennie, and Marc Roca all departed. Italian site Samp News 24 even reported that Leeds were interested in Winks.
However, Leeds eventually opted for Ethan Ampadu, Ilia Gruev, and Glen Kamara. While Ampadu has been exceptional, the other midfield spot next to him is still up for debate, with Archie Gray being deployed as a right-back.
Gruev has struggled, and Kamara is only just beginning to find his form. Given Winks’ performances for Leicester, he would have been a remarkable signing for Leeds. Alongside Ampadu, they would have had the strongest midfield in the Championship.
On Friday, Winks will have the opportunity to prove to Leeds why they should have pursued him instead of signing Joe Rodon and Djed Spence. He can demonstrate why Leeds missed out on a player of his caliber.
Winks is currently in excellent form, highlighted by his sensational goal against QPR. His confidence will be sky-high for Friday’s match, and it may serve as a reminder to Leeds manager Daniel Farke that Winks should have been the midfield signing instead of Gruev.
