Defensive Options That Make Sense For Huddersfield Town This Summer Window

The prior summer window for the Terriers focused primarily on defensive reinforcements, therefore there isn’t much need to invest heavily in these positions.

That being said though with the departures of Levi Colwill (end of loan period) and Naby Sarr (end of contract) the side is now lacking slightly in terms of left-sided center-halves at the least.

Whilst Romney Crichlow is an option and has impressed in the past, notably against Nottingham Forest in his Championship debut. The youngster hasn’t really shone on loan at Plymouth Argyle in the second half of the season, meaning he likely isn’t ready for the step up, yet.

Earlier this month, the club announced the re-signing of Will Boyle, who was initially on this list as a player who could/would come to the club, and on the First of July, the 26-year-old will join the club following the ending of his contract at Cheltenham.

The former Terrier offers the physical presence that the side are after, standing at 6”3, he will likely be joining Tom Lees (6”0) and Matty Pearson (6”2) who have been staples of the Huddersfield backline this season just gone.

Whilst Boyle’s passing statistics may not be as glamourous as Levi Colwill’s, he mirrors the profile of Pearson an awful lot, someone who too had early doubts if he would be able to fit into a Carlos Corberán system who look to play out from the back, however, has since become a mainstay in the squad.

On a free transfer, it is very shrewd business from the Terriers and shows positive signs for the rest of the window, if signings are more like this one.

Enzo Ebosse

Whilst the signing of Boyle provides potentially a starter, the club has also reportedly shown interest in Enzo Ebosse from Angers in France.

The Cameroonian international has mainly played on the left of a back three for Le SCO, and it would be a signing that makes sense for the club. With experience against some of the trickiest wingers in the world, whilst playing in one of Europe’s top leagues, it would certainly be an ambitious, statement signing for the Terriers.

On the ball Ebosse is comfortable too and would seemingly be comfortable playing in the Corberán system, averaging 32.5 accurate passes per game (85%) and 2.3 accurate long balls per game too, he would very much fit the mould of who the club should be looking at.

Whether the club can see off other suitors is yet to be seen, however, the West Yorkshire outlet offers an attractive move following their highly impressive season.

Taylor Harwood Bellis

Another target that the club should potentially look at is Taylor Harwood Bellis, whilst this is potentially slightly unrealistic given the strong links the player has to Burnley due to the likely incoming of Vincent Kompany as the club’s manager, it may not be too out of the question.

The 20-year-old spent the first half of last season with the Belgian manager at Anderlecht before being sent to Stoke for the remainder of the campaign by the Citizens.

Playing on the left of defence almost exclusively for the Potters, it is another signing which makes sense for the club. With 41 games of Championship experience, a full season on loan with the Terriers could potentially be the final step before the promising talent gets a Premier League loan, or potentially a permanent move away from the Etihad.

Jesse Debrah

The side has too been linked with the former Millwall academy man, Jesse Debrah too in recent days/weeks.

Whilst Huddersfield have given chances to players from the National League after them joining the club, notably Sorba Thomas and Josh Koroma. Though, it isn’t likely that the 21-year-old will get the chance immediately, with a host of right-footed central defenders available.

The fee would likely be minimal, and with the rumours seemingly having some truth behind them, it wouldn’t be unsurprising if the player made the switch from Halifax Town this window, before potentially seeing a loan spell to League 2 or even back to the National League.

Another position in defence that the club may need to look at is right wing-back, with Oliver Turton and Pipa currently the preferred options at the club. However, the Spaniard, Pipa could potentially be on the move this summer which means the club may be inclined to look for replacements early on.

Ethan Laird

Ethan Laird would offer a great replacement for the club on loan. Having spent last season between Swansea City and then the latter parts of the season with eventually promoted Bournemouth.

Looking at the wing-back’s heat maps this season, the Manchester United talent is not afraid of progressing into the opposition half, and whilst only contributing three times last season, if given the trust to potentially be the starting wing-back by Corberán it could see that figure increase, given how pivotal Toffolo has been on the other flank for the side this season.

Whilst still only 20-years-old, Laird is highly rated and if given a full season of experience at the same club, it could see his ability fully on show which potentially hasn’t been seen too much thus far.

That being said though when given the chance, he has shown that there is talent there, and under Carlos Corberán, these elements of his game could only be unleashed and honed more.

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