More than 10 months have elapsed since Glen Kamara left Leeds United for a reported £8.4m. The Finland international, a first team regular in the Whites’ run to the Championship play-off final, could have stayed at Elland Road but headed to France to embark on a new challenge.
But Kamara failed to shine at Rennes, making just 13 appearances for the Ligue 1 club. The 29-year-old joined Al-Shabab on loan earlier this year, with the Saudi Arabian club reportedly holding an option to sign him on a permanent basis. Kamara featured 11 times for Al-Shabab in the second half of the season.
Fulham star Alex Iwobi regards Kamara as the most underrated player he has played with after their time together at Arsenal. Kamara progressed through the ranks with the Gunners.
“Glen Kamara. Baller,” Iwobi told the Inside Scoop. “When I go power league, he’s the first person I want on my team.”
Although Kamara brought plenty of steel and energy to the Whites’ midfield engine room, he lacked quality in possession to make a big difference in the final third. It took United a while to bring in a suitable replacement for Kamara in the summer window but it was worth the wait. Ao Tanaka quickly adjusted to the rigours of the Championship and was a revelation in the centre as United secured a Premier League return after a two-year absence.
It will be interesting to see how Tanaka performs in the top flight. Some observers have raised concerns over his lack of physicality and temperament. Tanaka cut an emotional figure, at times, in his first year in English football as the Whites pushed for the title.
