Leeds United are used to making bulk signings in the transfer window since the last few seasons but this time around we saw them approach things differently. There were quite a few areas where the side required some surgery but the Whites made six major transfers (two permanent and four on loan), and many of the fans would have wanted a slightly better return than that.
However, we believe the Whites did more than a decent job in getting rid of some deadwood from the squad. A lot of u-23 players and previous signings were shown the door to trim the squad to a minimum.
The Whites have brought in 10 players, but we believe only six out of them would play a major role in the first team this year. Let’s see who those six are and what would be expected of them along with their ratings.
Lewis Baker – Chelsea, loan (6)
The midfielder has already made seven appearances (most of them from the bench) so far in all competitions, and the Chelsea starlet would have to play a much more prominent role as the season progresses. He is primarily a central midfielder but can play just in front of the back four as well. The Whites don’t have much cover in the central midfield position, and the 23-year old Englishman would act as backup options to the likes of Kalvin Philipps and Mateusz Klich who have started the season brightly.
Jamal Blackman – Chelsea, loan (6)
After the sale of Felix Weidwald, it was imperative for the Whites to go for a goalkeeper in the summer. The 24-year-old is a former England u-19 international and would be looking to showcase his talent to the world. So far he has been used as a No. 2 as Bailey Peacock Farrell has been impressive for the most part. Expect the Chelsea custodian to get chances in the Cup ties.
Barry Douglas – Wolves, undisclosed (9)
The only new signing who has featured prominently so far in the first team has the potential to be the best signing of the Championship. The left-back is already doing wonders, and one expects him to improve further from here onwards. The former Wolves defender is adept at going forward, and his crosses are deadly. He has combined well with Egzjan Alioski on the left flank and is equally good at defending as well. Bielsa has a real gem on his hand in the form of Barry Douglas who can be termed as a Premier League pedigree player.
Jack Harrison – Manchester City, loan (6)
Harrison is another one of those young English prospects whom Bielsa brought in from Manchester City. The winger has looked sharp so far whenever he has started. However, with Pablo Hernandez as the preferred starter on the right flank, Harrison would have to wait for his opportunities to shine. The winger can also feature down the left flank, so that is also a big plus for the manager.
Patrick Bamford – Middlesbrough, undisclosed (7.5)
The marquee signing of the summer for the Whites as they needed a goal scorer desperately. But the English forward has found it tough to break into the eleven due to Kemar Roofe’s surge in performance. However, he is more than a handy option to have on the bench, and he has showcased that his link-up play is also up to the mark. In a long season, he would have a prominent role to play.
Izzy Brown – Chelsea, loan (5)
The Chelsea forward is still recovering from his ACL injury and will continue his rehabilitation at Thorp Arch. Once fit, he is likely to play as a backup to Samuel Saiz who generally plays in an advanced role in midfield. It remains to be seen whether the 21-year-old would be able to get back to his best after such a major injury setback.
Bielsa has made some smart signings without spending a bomb in the market. Last season, Wolves showed how signing players on loan to get out of Championship could be a smart way to go about. Having not spent much, we can expect some transfer activities in the January period as well.
P.s- Leed United’s signing of the season would be their manager Marcelo Bielsa.
