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Exclusive: Nigel Martyn thinks Crystal Palace star would have been ideal for Leeds United
Nigel Martyn has told The Boot Room that he thinks Crystal Palace centre-back Gary Cahill would have been the perfect signing for Leeds United – praising the former England star for his recent form at Selhurst Park.
Cahill, 35, joined Palace in the summer of 2019 after his contract at Chelsea came to an end. The towering centre-back, who has played 61 times for England, has since played 32 matches for Palace – with injury creeping into his game.
But when he has played, Palace have been solid. Certainly, on a free transfer, Cahill has been worth the risk of signing a player who is entering the latter stages of his career. He earns £65,000 a week (), but has been worth that figure.
Leeds, meanwhile, have been struggling from set-pieces. In their last four matches, the Whites have conceded five goals just from free-kicks and corners – two of which came against West Ham and one against Cahill’s former side Chelsea.
Asked about Palace’s best players of 2020, Leeds icon Martyn picked Cahill and stated he would be exactly what Leeds need – with the Whites lacking in centre-back options, especially after Liam Cooper hobbled off against Manchester United on Sunday.
“He’s been a great signing for Palace,” Martyn told The Boot Room. “His experience has been vital. I think he is what Leeds need, not only would he be that big, towering centre-back which is required, but his experience too.
TBR’s view – Cahill would be a brilliant signing for Leeds
Right now, any decent centre-back would be a good addition. Leeds are struggling at the back, with Robin Koch and Diego Llorente on the sidelines – and it remains to be seen how long Cooper will miss, following his injury on Sunday.
Cahill is out of contract at the end of the season and he may be in the final few months of his spell at Palace – even though he is showing no signs of slowing down. A move to Leeds is unlikely given Marcelo Bielsa’s style.
But as Martyn states, he would be good for Leeds as he adds a lot if ingredients Bielsa’s men lack. Premier League experience, leadership, aerial ability, strength, organisation and is a threat from set-pieces at both ends. He would be brilliant.
As said, a move to Leeds is unlikely given the style of the player – but if Leeds want a defender that can bolster their weaknesses in the air, available for nothing next summer – then Cahill would be perfect.
