In the summer transfer window, Leeds United signed Sam Byram on a free transfer, but goalkeeper Joe Lumley might also have been a free signing for the club.
Leeds’ Championship season appears to be getting into high gear, with seven points gained after the international break from three reasonably difficult opponents.
On Saturday, Sam Byram’s bullet header at home to Watford put Leeds in front for a deserved 3-0 win, the latest indication that Byram is an outstanding free signing.
Could Leeds have added a free agent?
Leeds must find the best value possible with their new acquisitions now that they are back in the Championship, and if the free agent market gives an opportunity, it is worth exploring.
Byram was one of them, but The Athletic’s Phil Hay has claimed that the club may have also signed goalkeeper Joe Lumley.
The 28-year-old was on Middlesbrough’s books last season, spending the season on loan at Reading due to points deductions and the club’s relegation to League One.
Lumley, as Hay points out, has instead joined Southampton this season to give backup to Gavin Bazunu, with the Saints facing Leeds next.
Lumley would have been an unusual signing, given that we now have someone like Karl Darlow as our number two goalkeeper.
Our goalkeeping department is quite strong right now, and there can be no complaints after four straight league clean sheets.
Illan Meslier has plenty of space for improvement, but he’s doing a lot right now.
Lumley, on the other hand, would not have been a confident signing considering his recent run in the league.