Leeds United had a massive upsurge under Garry Monk last season who transformed them into a promotion favorites from a mere mid-table Championship outfit against all odds and despite missing out on a promotional playoff place narrowly in closing stages, Leeds supporters are optimistic once more years after their demotion in lower divisions who were once rated as an admirable Premier League force.
Leeds suffered two massive blows this season when gaffer Garry Monk rejected a new deal and opted to join Middlesbrough as their manager. Also, marksman Chris Wood, the top scorer of 2016-17 Championship campaign, completed his dream move to Premier League. Yet, the Whites have fared well so far in this campaign under new boss Thomas Christiansen and currently placed 3rd in the league table and still unbeaten this term prior to the international break.
Transfers – Major Ins and Outs
Leeds United selected Thomas Christiansen, the former APOEL boss, as Monk’s replacement who is having a steady start in his new managerial venture. A few signings, however, have already left an impression – Macedonian winger Ezgjan Alioski, former Werder Bremen custodian Felix Wiedwald, and Spanish attacker Samuel Sáiz have slotted in perfectly in Leeds starting line up. Also, they have made the loan moves of defender Pontus Jansson and winger Hadi Sacko permanent and brought in veteran Vurnon Anita who joined the Peacocks on a Bosman transfer upon expiration of his contract with Newcastle United.
Christiansen banked on a few potential starlets of Europe namely Paweł Cibicki, Caleb Ekuban, and Jay Roy-Grot. Also, the former Spanish international forward loaned in three top-notch resources – Everton’s Matthew Pennington, Manchester United’s Cameron Borthwick-Jackson, and former Germany youth international Pierre-Michel Lasogga who has been their deadline day transfer from Hamburger SV and is tipped to be an out-and-out replacement of Chris Wood.
Leeds, however, will feel the absence of hitman Chris Wood in front of goal who has joined Premier League outfit, Burnley. Young left-back Charlie Taylor, too, has joined the Clarets upon expiration of his contract whereas veteran custodian Robert Green has made a Premier League return with newly promoted Huddersfield Town. Skipper Liam Bridcutt was surplus to Christiansen’s requirements and the midfielder was transferred out to league counterparts Nottingham Forest. The Peacocks terminated the contract of forward, Souleymane Doukara who has joined Turkish outfit Osmanlispor.
Strength
Leeds United were vastly dependent on Chris Wood last season, however, the early impression implies a ‘team game’ under Christiansen where the likes of Pablo Hernandez, Kemar Roofe, and Kalvin Phillips have stepped up to grind out results.
Weakness
Although Kemar Roofe is currently enjoying a scintillating run as a makeshift centre-forward and the likes of Samuel Saiz and Caleb Ekuban have settled in well in new surroundings, they might struggle in the long run if Lasogga fails to fill the void left by the New Zealander marksman.
Expectations From 2017-18 Season
Leeds failed to keep hold of their star striker and manager Garry Monk, yet they secured a solid start in their new campaign where they are expected to fight for a promotion once more. Monk has set the standards high and Christiansen is currently carrying the legacy quite efficiently. There are plenty of strong promotion contenders this year, Leeds are one of them and a return to the top flight will be their only objective
