Ben White has been one of Leeds United’s best and most consistent players this season. The 22-year-old has displayed coolness and calmness in possession while standing up to the more industrious approaches of some Championship forwards.
The Brighton and Hove Albion loanee will return to the Premier League club this summer, and Seagulls boss Graham Potter has expressed his desire to retain the young centre-back.
Brighton have a wealth of options at centre-back and it is far from a foregone conclusion that White would walk into the side on his return. Long-time incumbents Lewis Dunk and Shane Duffy have struck up a successful partnership together during the club’s time in the Premier League.
On top of that, Brighton also have Matt Clarke – currently on loan at Derby County – and Adam Webster also on their books at centre-back. White would be returning to a club with five or even six potential first-team central defenders.
There is also Leo Østigard to compete with, a Norwegian centre-half who has spent this season on loan at FC St. Pauli in the German second division. However, it is understood Østigard is likely to be bottom of the pecking order.
Captain Lewis Dunk was linked continuously with Leicester City last summer as a potential Harry Maguire replacement, and this summer may be no different. With Caglar Soyuncu’s fine form for the Foxes, clubs may be circling for the Turk. Dunk could once again be in Brendan Rodgers’ sights as his chosen stand-in.
If Dunk were to leave, White could potentially slot in alongside Shane Duffy in a role more akin to a distributor, leaving the enforcing to the Irish international.
Brighton Chief Executive Paul Barber recently spoke about the “financial strain” the club will undergo during the current footballing situation and the impact it is having on the Premier League. This may force owner Tony Bloom’s hand in selling one of his young centre-backs.
Whether Webster, Clarke or White end up being cut loose remains to be seen, however Seagulls manager Graham Potter is adamant Ben White has a role to play next season. One thing remains clear; Dunk, Duffy, White, Webster and Clarke will not all be starting on the first day of the 2020-21 season, therefore decisions will need to be made.
