Following a dramatic deadline day, the summer transfer window in the Premier League has finally slammed to a shut. Leeds United, for one, have raised a lot of eyebrows with some of their dealings in the market.
Here, at The 4th Official, we will rate every one of Leeds United’s new signings this summer and whether or not they can help them stay in the top-flight next season.
Ratings Leeds United’s New Signings This Summer
Rodrigo Moreno 7/10
Rodrigo Moreno has taken some time settling into life in the Premier League. From a tactical perspective, however, his €30 million move from Valencia makes a lot of sense for the Whites.
Rodrigo has and in the long term, will provide cover for Patrick Bamford. The two attackers can even be accommodated into the same side thanks to the Spaniard’s unrivalled versatility in the final third. It ultimately provides more attacking options for Leeds United, which was evident in the game against Manchester City.
It will be interesting to see how Rodrigo now tunes in with Marcelo Bielsa’s high pressing game in the future as he has started only one Premier League game so far this season.
Diego Llorente 7/10
Leeds United’s decision to spend the extra bucks on an additional defender was a crucial one given the club’s lack of depth in central defence.
Diego Llorente, who was brought in from Real Sociedad for a fee of €20 million, looks like a bargain for the Whites. The Spaniard has been one of La Liga’s top defenders for a few years now and should have no difficulties settling in under Marcelo Bielsa.
Llorente is an excellent leader who is primarily known for his ability to read the game. He could provide some much-needed competition for Robin Koch and Liam Cooper in central defence, and it will be interesting to see whether or not he can establish himself as a first-team regular for Leeds United this season.
Raphinha 8/10
Raphinha arrived at Elland Road on the deadline day, in a €17 million move from Rennes. He is thought to be an alternative for top-target for Rodrigo de Paul, someone who can provide some attacking flair in the final third.
Raphinha’s addition to the club can, in fact, put an end to growing concerns of the club’s lack of depth in the wide attacking department, where Bielsa was over-reliant on the services of Jack Harrison and Helder Costa.
During his time at Ligue 1, Raphinha has impressed the onlookers with his skill and pace, combined with an eye for goal. However, it remains to be seen whether or not he can replicate those performances in the Premier League.
Robin Koch 8/10
Robin Koch was Leeds United’s primary alternative for Ben White, joining the club from SC Freiburg for a fee of €13 million.
The German international has had a miserable start to his Premier League career, conceding penalties in his first two matches. However, the ex-Freiburg star has improved since, playing crucial roles in games against Sheffield United and Manchester City.
Koch is yet to showcase his ability to move forward with the ball, but he is expected to improve as time progresses. Overall, the 24-year-old has been no short of a bargain for the Yorkshire outfit.
Joe Gelhardt 6/10
Joe Gelhardt was the only one, among a pool of youngsters, who was registered into the Leeds United first-team rather than the reserve side this summer. It is enough to suggest the faith the club has in the player, who was one of Wigan Athletic’s rising stars last season.
A striker by trade, Gelhardt is yet to make an impact in the Premier League so far. But, he has been making some waves in the reserve side, scoring one goal and providing one assist in three Premier League 2 matches. He has already created a solid attacking combination with Sam Greenwood and could become Leeds’ primary alternative for Bamford if he can continue his progress.
