This summer, Garry Monk took probably the hottest seat in Championship football by taking charge of Leeds United. Not many managers had two transfer windows under Leeds’ controversial owner Massimo Cellino and Monk had to ensure that he used his chance to bolster the squad properly. As many as eleven signings were made by the 37-year-old manager who showed a great promise in his early days at Swansea as manager. So, after this massive overhaul at Elland Road, should Leeds fans be happy with the squad they have right now? This article is a quick review of the Whites’ business this summer.
Ins
Kyle Bartley (Swansea City, Loan)
Robert Green (Free)
Kemar Roofe (Oxford United, £3m)
Marcus Antonsson (Kalmar FF, £2m)
Hadi Sacko (Sporting Lisbon, Loan)
Matt Grimes (Swansea, Loan)
Pablo Hernandez (Al Arabi, Loan)
Billy Whitehouse (Doncaster Rovers, Undisclosed fee)
Eunan O’Kane (Bournemouth, Undisclosed fee)
Luke Ayling (Bristol City, Undisclosed fee)
Pontus Jansson (Torino, Loan)
Outs
Lewis Cook (Bournemouth, £6m)
Caspar Sloth (Aalborg BK, Undisclosed)
Mirco Antenucci (SPAL, Free)
Giuseppe Bellusci (Empoli, Loan)
Lee Erwin (Oldham Athletic, Loan)
Jordan Botaka (Charlton Athletic, Loan)
What Monk managed to bring in
It would be unfair to moan about Garry Monk’s transfer business. The 37-year-old certainly made the best possible utilisation of the transfer window. Now, he has to ensure that he can find out his best possible XI soon and bring out the best from the players. Leeds have grabbed the signature of last season’s League Two Player of the Year Kemar Roofe from Oxford United, a player who can win games on his own on his day. Apart from Roofe’s attacking prowess, they also brought in a proven goalscorer in Marcus Antonsson, who was the leading scorer in Sweden’s Allsvenskan before signing for the Whites.
Kyle Bartley and Luke Ayling are solid additions to the Leeds backline. Both Arsenal youth graduates are young, yet experienced defenders. Pontus Jansson, on the other hand, adds much-needed depth to the backline. Leeds were able to retain Charlie Taylor despite all the interest he attracted from the Premier League and it feels nothing less than a new signing.
Robert Green is also an experienced addition who can improve Leeds’ leaky defence with his enormous expertise at the top level. Loan deals for Grimes and Sacko also give a wealth of options to Monk in midfield. The young players, both highly rated, will definitely come handy during the long season. Pablo Hernandez, an experienced former Premier League and La Liga player, adds a lot to the team with his creativity. Last but not the least, Leeds’ deadline day capture from Premier League side Bournemouth, Eunan O’Kane, has what it takes to be a regular feature in Leeds midfield with his vast experience.
What Leeds Still Miss
Despite the summer overhaul at Elland Road, there are a few weaknesses in the team. Leeds still do not have a backup left-back. There are too many central midfielders in the squad but still the Whites miss an out and out number ten. Overall, Leeds’ transfer activity this summer is decent but could have been much better.
Remarks
We give Garry Monk six out of ten.
