Leeds United have got their season underway and are unbeaten after two games. They should have taken full points against Nottingham Forest on the balance of the game, but they had to be satisfied with a draw. The club brought in players who are likely to make a significant first-team impact as United signed the likes of Ben White, Jack Harrison, Eddie Nketiah and Helder Costa. However, the exit of first-team players like Pontus Jansson and Kemar Roofe left a sour taste in every supporter’s mouth as they were regular starters from the last season.
Leeds United signed all their players temporarily in this window though a move for Costa would be made permanent next season irrespective of whether the Whites move up a division or not. Some fans might be slightly disappointed that the club didn’t do any significant spendings in terms of this summer even though the club received significant cash from the exit of Jack Clarke (who returned on loan), Kemar Roofe, Pontus Jansson and Bailey Peacock-Farrell.
Danny Mills on Leeds United transfers
Former Leeds and England full-back Danny Mills believe that the club is not in the best of financial position and the Whites are unlikely to sign anyone in the January transfer window. Mills recently said to Football Insider, ”I’m not convinced there is an awful lot of money in the bank at Leeds, that is why they needed to get Roofe out, to get the £7million to get people in.”
“Leeds are not awash with cash, financial fair play and a relatively high wage bill. I’d be surprised, Bielsa didn’t want anybody last season when there was money available. So no (on January transfers), I don’t think there will be too many incomings for Leeds.”
The Whites did try to bring Daniel James in January this year for £10m, so that indicated that the Whites did have money to spend in the transfer window. The club are probably trying to balance the books now for the next year as Costa’s permanent transfer would set United back by £15m.
Signing players temporarily has turned out to be effective
Signing players on loan has turned out to be an effective way to strengthen the squad. Wolves and Aston Villa have shown in the last two season that you don’t need to spend too much cash in the transfer window when you are in the Championship. So one cannot fault the Whites for taking a similar approach this season. Once a club gets to the Premier League, one can spend the big bucks with the influx of cash the club receives from playing top-flight football and TV deals.
Moreover, the Whites have spent heavily to keep Bielsa for two years, so they have taken a slightly different route instead of spending money on players. Only time will tell whether this approach will get Leeds United to the Premier League or not.
