Leeds United’s unfinished business, transfer window intrigu, and star man uncertainty This summer, Leeds United has competed with Emmerdale for melodrama, and the transfer window could yet throw up a surprise or two.
Getting Ilia Gruev
signed, sealed, and delivered was part of a one-two punch aimed at eliminating one of his squad’s last concerns regarding its depth. Glen Kamara will follow Gruev through the Elland Road door to complete a central midfield trio that should be more than capable of doing the job for Farke on a weekly basis. Ethan Ampadu and Archie Grey are the men in the field, or rather the man and the boy, and are there to be shot at by new faces, but after an amazing start to the campaign, they will not give up their positions easily.
Getting business done quickly and without a fuss, as Gruev did, is ideal for any club, but for Leeds, who lost a signing to a Premier League club at the medical stage and waved another off after face-to-
face talks, it is a tonic – especially in the latter stages of the window, when things can get a little crazy.
After all of the expected departures, the hesitant, tearful goodbyes, the surprise heel-turns, and the will-they-won’t-they unknowns brought on by certain individuals, Leeds would love nothing more than to finish the window in a peaceful manner. So far, their recruitment appears to be steady, sensible, and in one or two cases extraordinary. Finish up the loose ends and enjoy a peaceful Friday?
At Leeds United, the word “quiet” is never a tired one.
This week, the acquisitions of Gruev and Kamara were prioritised since that was where Farke wanted to strengthen the most. Aside from that, the clamour for a left-back will be quenched on the pitch by a combination of Junior Firpo, Sam Byram, and Jamie Shackleton. Nothing can be ruled out until the deadline, or sometimes even an hour or so later, as Willy Gnonto’s signing demonstrated, but a left-back wasn’t on the agenda as the window entered its final 24 hours. Even while everything is always subject to change, it appears that only an incredible too-good-to-pass-up opportunity would result in a left-sided shift.
At this point, Elland Road needs a full-back. Leeds must then pray that injuries do not intervene and steal the show once more in that position.
At this point, Elland Road needs a full-back. Leeds must then pray that injuries do not intervene and steal the show once more in that position.
The normal transfer caveat applies, but Sinisterra appears to be the only significant outgoing business left. Cody Drameh will undoubtedly attend. Darko Gyabi may potentially be available on loan. Lewis Bate and Leo Hjelde could do the same. The supporting cast, or extras as some call them, will thin out slightly.
It may be another soap drama on a deadline day, or it could be a peaceful pint in a small tavern. Fortunately for everyone involved, we’re only a few hours away from football, real football, taking centre stage once more.
