After a chaotic few months, the summer transfer window is finally over and after spending a fortune last summer, one of the clubs that has had a relatively quieter time in the market this time around is Leeds United. They only brought in four players, including Daniel James from Manchester United on deadline day and a permanent deal to sign Jack Harrison from Man City.
Here, at 4th Official, we will take a look at three areas Leeds United should have invested in the recently concluded transfer window.
Three Areas Leeds United Should Have Invested
Right-Back
There is no question about the fact that Leeds United lack depth in the defensive unit, particularly in the fullback department. While the need for a left-back was satiated by the arrival of Junior Firpo, the club should have invested on a new right-back in the summer.
Luke Ayling is currently the only option in the said position, with youngster Jamie Shackleton failing to live up to the expectations with Stuart Dallas being effectively in only a more attacking role.
It leaves Marcelo Bielsa with very few alternatives, and it could prove to be a major problem in a campaign where the team is expected to participate in at least three different competitions.
Central Midfield
Perhaps the most obvious one on this list. Leeds United fans have been crying for a proper back-up for Kalvin Phillips for a few years now. Their wish wasn’t met this summer either, with the club failing to nail down a deal to sign any of their top targets including Nahitan Nandez and Lewis O’Brien.
It leaves Bielsa’s side vulnerable once again, with Phillips being the only quality number six available in the squad. It has been made evident that the team struggles without the Englishman’s calming presence in the middle of the park.
The failure to sign a backup, therefore, may hurt much more this season as the opposition would become more alert to this glaring weakness of Leeds United. Hence, it will certainly be essential for Phillips to remain fit throughout the course of the campaign.
Winger
It was satisfying for Leeds United fans to witness the late capture of Daniel James on deadline day. The Manchester United man’s arrival at the club should add some much-needed firepower out wide.
While the club has already had to deal with the departure of Ezgjan Alioski earlier in the summer, the late exit of Helder Costa and Ian Poveda means Bielsa currently has only three quality wingers at his disposal.
Among them, James is yet to prove himself in the Premier League. And on that note, it would perhaps have been a wiser decision for the Whites to sign another winger in the summer transfer window.
