The heartbreak in the playoffs has brought Leeds United back to square one despite a blistering start to their Championship campaign under Marcelo Bielsa. The defeat against Derby County could be viewed as a reality check for the manager, players as well as the Elland Road faithful highlighting the necessity of new signings during the ongoing summer transfer window.
The Whites, meanwhile, received a massive boost in pursuit of their long-term target Jamal Lowe. The Portsmouth winger admitted his inclination towards Championship football, and Pompey’s playoff misfortune against Sunderland means that the player might force a move away from the South Coast after spending a couple of seasons in League One.
“Of course I do (want to play in the Championship). We all do. I personally do, but that’s a thing for next season now. It hurts (defeat to Sunderland) at the moment, but we’ve had a great season.”
Stated the 24-year-old after failing to break the deadlock at Fratton Park in the second-leg fixture. He has been the top scorer for Kenny Jackett’s side with 15 goals and assisted eight times as well in 47 league outings.
Lowe made his mark in non-league football before being roped in by Portsmouth while competing in League Two. He soon earned a regular status down the wide areas and improved his game gradually. A host of Championship outfits are now tracking his status and Leeds, in desperate need of adding reinforcements, must step up the chase to outpace the other suitors.
A lack of bench strength led to form and fitness concerns as their key individuals looked fatigued and exhausted in the final months. The overdependence on Pablo Hernandez cost the Whites severely as the 34-year-old Spaniard was utterly worn-out and ineffective when it mattered the most. Injuries to Kemar Roofe, Jack Clarke and Ezgjan Alioski left the gaffer with not much choice but to rely on Jack Harrison. The young Manchester City loanee failed to live up to the hype due to inconsistency and unsteadiness while operating in the attacking third.
Despite failing to stage a top-flight return, Leeds are now viewed as the prime promotion contenders. They have an array of promising players who, however, need to sharpen a few aspects of their game to drive the show from the next term onwards. A few quality additions would serve the purpose, and a bid for Lowe should be sanctioned to cheer up the dejected supporters.
